Roger Federer: 99 Titles and Counting

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Just over a year ago, Jason Kubler of Australia was unranked after a series of knee injuries threatened to curtail his career.

The battle back up the rankings has been rewarding, and now the Queensland native has earned his biggest prizes: wild cards into the 2019 Brisbane International and Australian Open.

He’ll be joined at both events by his fellow Queenslander, Priscilla Hon. The 20-year-old was the best Australian performer at the ITF events in Canberra and Bendigo, which earned her a spot in the Australian Open main draw.

For Kubler, 2018 represented a breakthrough campaign, with two of his more noteworthy accomplishments coming at Wimbledon and the US Open. In London, he qualified for a spot in the tournament, knocking off the veteran Canadian Peter Polansky along the way. And in New York, Kubler posted one of the biggest wins of his career by upsetting Roberto Bautista Agut in the first round.

From the start of the year, Kubler played at a consistent level, winning two Challenger titles on hard courts and cracking the Top 100 for the first time, peaking at No. 91.

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Aussies Jason Kubler, Priscilla Hon earn main-draw berths at home Slam

Aussies Jason Kubler, Priscilla Hon earn main-draw berths at home Slam

Entering 2019 ranked No. 114, the 25-year-old will start the season at two of the main stops on the Australian swing.

“I am very grateful to be given the opportunity to play the Brisbane International, as it has been a very long time since I played in my hometown,” Kubler said. “Playing this tournament is very special to me, and the best way possible to start my 2019 season.

This will be his third time in the field at the Australian Open.

“The opportunity to play at the Aussie Open is amazing and again, something I am really appreciative for.”

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Aussies Jason Kubler, Priscilla Hon earn main-draw berths at home Slam

Aussies Jason Kubler, Priscilla Hon earn main-draw berths at home Slam

Hon, Australia’s fifth-ranked woman, will be making her first appearance in the Australian Open main draw in three years. That 2016 showing was her first—and to date, only—time in the field of 128 at a major. She’ll also be making her second appearance in Brisbane.

“I’ve been training in Brisbane since I was 11, 12 years old so I’ve always dreamed of playing here,” Hon said. “I had the opportunity two years ago but now I’ve been playing a bit more on the WTA Tour I’ll have a bit more experience behind me.

She’s also eagerly anticipating the home support when she plays.

“Having the crowd come in the atmosphere is amazing, and it’s always exciting playing in front of a crowd that’s always backing you when you play,” Hon said. “Whoever I draw it’s going to be tough. Hopefully I won’t be playing the No. 1 seed—but I mean if it is, it will be on center court and it will be a great atmosphere. I have nothing to lose against anyone I play.”

And coming off the best season of her young career, Hon is ready to keep her forward progress going.

“I don’t want to just play, I want to win matches. I don’t just want to compete, I want to win, and that’s my goal,” she said.

In 2019, the ATP, WTA—and so much more—are on Tennis Channel Plus:

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