Andy Murray will be the only British male in the main draw at the Australian Open but there’s hope for a strong women’s contingent after qualifying wins for Heather Watson and Johanna Konta.
Dan Evans, who surged through qualifying at the US Open before reaching the third round, went the way of fellow Brits Dan Cox and James Ward as he failed to make the main draw.
Unlike Cox and Ward, the 23-year-old won his first qualifying match but lost his second to Marton Fucsovics 6-4, 6-1 in Melbourne to leave Murray as the sole British male in the main draw.
However there was better news as the women’s qualifying got underway with Watson and Konta victorious, although Tara Moore lost 6-0, 7-5 to Erika Sema of Japan.
Konta defeated American Grace Min 6-2, 6-1 while Watson saw off Australian Arina Rodionova 6-4, 6-3 and admits she is putting pressure on herself to progress to the main draw.
"I was just really nervous, I don't know why I was so nervous," said Watson. "It's a while since I played in qualifiers and I expect myself to do well and go far.
"I really like the tournament here and play well on these courts. I was putting too much pressure on myself, that's why I was a bit nervous, but I'm happy I got through it. I'll sleep better and play better."
© Sportsbeat 2014