Here come the kids, Australia.
Gold Coast teenager Emerson Jones has thrilled a parochial home crowd with a commanding 6-3 6-3 win over German world No. 43 Tatjana Maria on Pat Rafter Arena in the opening round of the Brisbane International.
At 38 years old her German opponent brought all the experience, but the 17-year-old had all the answers, showing every bit of the promise that comes being from a former junior world No. 1.
“Extraordinary. What a way to do it,” Tom Rehn said in commentary for Channel 9 as Jones scorched a powerful backhand to wrap up her second career win over a top 50 ranked player, belying her own WTP ranking of 147.
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“A coming-of-age win for the 17-year-old,” Rehn continued.
Born and raised on the Gold Coast, Jones is the daughter of Olympic triathlon silver medallist Loretta Harrop and trains at the Queensland Tennis Centre—venue for the Brisbane International.
“I’m just super happy,” she said after the match which was also her tournament debut.
“This is honestly the best tournament, the best crowd, and I’m so happy my family got to come.”
Jones will now face tournament 10th seed Liudmila Samsonova in the Round of 32 on Wednesday.
Win or lose, she has already received a wildcard into the main draw of the 2026 Australian Open starting on January 18.
It will be her second appearance at Melbourne Park, after in losing in the first round of 2025 to Elena Rybakina.
Jones was also an Australian Open Junior and Wimbledon Junior Finalist in 2024.
Remember the name!
— Brisbane International (@BrisbaneTennis) January 5, 2026
17-year-old Emerson Jones closes night two on PRA with a stirring 6-3 6-3 win over German Tatjana Maria. Pic.twitter.com/tu4T2NfJ3d