Martin Landaluce did not want to rush things and seek invitations for the qualifying draws at Majors in 2024. Instead, the Madrid native stayed at Challengers and wrapped up the season ranked 151st. Was that the right call? No doubt!
Landaluce will now debut at Majors at the Australian Open. The 19-year-old Spaniard passed three obstacles in the qualifying draw to enter the main action. Martin will face James McCabe in the first round of the main draw.
Thus, he will have a nice chance to seek his first Major win. The Madrid native ousted Raphael Collignon in the first qualifying round. He toppled James Trotter in the second, reaching the final round without losing a set and gathering a boost.
¡Martín Landaluce se clasifica para jugar el cuadro final del @AustralianOpen! VAMOS‼️pic.twitter.com/Udditba4sC
— Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar (@rnadalacademy) January 9, 2025
Chasing his place in the main draw, Landaluce battled against the 22-year-old Dalibor Svrcina. A teenager scored a 2-6, 6-1, 7-5 victory in two hours and 22 minutes. Martin played his worst set of the tournament in the opener.
He raised his level in the second set and prevailed in the decider after squandering the advantage three times! Landaluce hit no aces and sprayed 11 double faults! He outplayed his rival behind the second serve and converted 7 of 13 break points.
Svrcina fought well in one and three, delivering six breaks but falling in the closing stages of the encounter. Both players hit ten unforced errors more than winners, and Martin attacked more. Dalibor made a reliable start and broke a teenager three times for 5-1.
Martin Landaluce, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
Landaluce denied three break points on serve in game seven before Svrcina held at love for 6-2. The Czech wrapped up the first part of the duel in 33 minutes, hoping for more in set number two.
The Spaniard raised his level and served much better, keeping the pressure on the other side. Dalibor struggled in three consecutive service games. The Czech lost serve in the second game and saved break points two games later.
Martin made another push on the return at 4-1 and landed a winner at the net to secure another break and extend the gap. The Spaniard held at 15 in game seven to force a decider and gain a boost.
Martin Landaluce, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
A teenager served well early in the final set and clinched a break in the third game for 3-1. We saw six straight games from the sixth game, with both players losing ground behind the initial shot! Landaluce led 4-3, and 5-4, serving for the win in game ten.
However, he got broken and kept his rival in contention. Martin kept his composure and stole the opponent’s serve again in game 11 for a 6-5 lead. Serving for the win for the second time, the Spaniard denied a break point.
He created four match points and seized the last with a service winner to book a place in the main draw for the first time at Majors. Is Martin in a good position to secure his first Major victory at 19? Certainly!
Martin Landaluce & Dalibor Svrcina, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
The young gun will face the lower-ranked Australian with a wild card. He struggled a bit physically at the end of the match against Svrcina, but he should be ready to compete in a couple of days. Making a debut at Majors is always exciting.
Landaluce will try to make the most of it and enjoy his first match on the notable scene. The Spaniard is no stranger to a Major success, only at junior level. He is the 2022 US Open champion.
Teenagers are making a name for themselves at the Australian Open. Alongside Landaluce, Joao Fonseca and Learnen Tien are also through to the main draw, earning their chances to seek notable victories at a young age.
One thing is certain. Tennis future looks bright with so many young gun improving their ranking and entering the most significant scene before the 20th birthday.
Tennis World USA