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French Open wildcards for Aussie duo

Queensland teenager Emerson Jones can't wait to make her French Open debut. (Con Chronis/AAP PHOTOS)

Rising teen star Emerson Jones and experienced campaigner Adam Walton have been awarded French Open wildcards, lifting to 13 the Australian contingent at the claycourt major.

Jones, 17, is a former world No.1 junior who now boasts a career-high world ranking of 129.

"I’m so excited to have the opportunity to play in the main draw at Roland Garros this year," she said.

"I’ve played the junior event there the past couple of years and been looking forward to coming back and stepping up to the main event.

"I’m so grateful to be awarded the wildcard. I’ll be heading to Paris early to prepare properly and get myself ready for the tournament."

Emerson Jones.
Emerson Jones' previous experience at Roland Garros has been in the girls' event. (Con Chronis/AAP PHOTOS)

Fellow Queenslander Walton has enjoyed a breakthrough 12 months on the tour, establishing himself inside the world’s top 100.

He reached the second round at Roland Garros and the US Open in 2025, a year where he also advanced to a maiden ATP semi-final in Los Cabos and beat former world No.1 Daniil Medvedev in Cincinnati.

The 27-year-old was beaten in straight sets in the first round of the Australian Open in January by Spanish superstar Carlos Alcaraz.

"I’m extremely grateful and thankful for the opportunity to get to compete in another main draw at Roland Garros," said Walton.

"Being able to win a five-setter in my first round last year (against Germany's Maximilian Marterer) gives me confidence going into this year’s event."

Adam Walton.
Adam Walton was unlucky to draw Carlos Alcaraz in the opening round at Melbourne Park this year. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)

Tahlia Kokkinis, 17, has been given a wildcard into the qualifying event at Roland Garros.

Kokkinis has emerged as a prominent player on the junior tour, representing Australia at key international events including Orange Bowl, Les Petits As, Eddy Herr and the Junior Billie Jean King Cup.

The French Open begins on May 24 where the Australian campaign will again be spearheaded by world No.8 Alex de Minaur.

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