SA's Harris qualifies for Australian Open

South Africa’s former world No 31 Lloyd Harris has qualified for the men's singles competition at the Australian Open.

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Harris beat fourth seed Hugo Gaston from France on Friday, wrapping up a dominant 6-0, 6-2 victory in his final qualifying match and advancing to the main draw at the season’s first Grand Slam tournament in Melbourne.

Earlier in the week, the 26-year-old Cape Town native triumphed over another French player, Kyrian Jacquet (7-5, 6-4), and Daniel Rincon of Spain (6-2, 6-2) in his first two qualifying matches.

He's done it! 🙌

Lloyd Harris has qualified for the main draw of the men's singles at the @AustralianOpen. The South African star defeated 4th seed Hugo Gaston of France with a dominant 6-0, 6-2 in his final qualifying match to advance.

Way to go, Lloyd! 💪#AusOpen #AO2024 pic.twitter.com/EnlKinRWcr — Tennis South Africa (@TennisSA) January 12, 2024

Currently ranked 149th in the ATP world rankings, Harris will be the sole South African participant in the men's singles event at the Australian Open.

Harris, who dropped outside the top 100 ATP rankings due to an injury-enforced hiatus, will face Frenchman Quentin Halys (ranked 101st in the world) in the first round when the main draw gets under way on Sunday.

It will be the first time the two players meet on the ATP Tour.

© Tennis SA