AAP Tennis

Major boost for Australian trio ahead of US Open

By AAP Newswire

Aug 15, 2026

Australia's men have flicked the switch at the Cincinnati Open with Adam Walton, James Duckworth and Chris O'Connell all progressing in the opening round.

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It was a timely boost ahead of the US Open at Flushing Meadows, all three progressing in the Masters 1000 event with convincing straight-sets victories.

World No.98 Walton overcame Colombian qualifier Nicolas Mejia 7-5 6-0 to set up a clash in the round of 64 against No.29 seed Ignatio Buse.

Duckworth beat American qualifier JJ Wolf 7-5 7-6 (7-0) and his reward is a meeting with in-form, seeded Englishman Arthur Ferry, who received a bye.

O'Connell, who came through qualifying, advanced by beating Polish star Kamil Majchrzak 6-4 7-6 (7-5). He will now meet Norwegian No.11 seed Casper Ruud.

They will be joined in the round of 64 by No.5 seed Alex de Minaur, who received a bye, and wildcard Rinky Hijikata.

The Australian defeated French veteran Gael Monfils in three sets the previous day to progress.

But luck was not on the side of Thanasi Kokkinakis, who served 20 aces and still went down to world No.47 Nuno Borges.

After three tough sets the Portuguese star eventually triumphed 5-7 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-4).