Glusko loses final Australian Open qualifier

Julia Glushko’s bid to reach the first round proper of this year’s Australian Open ended in disappointment on Saturday morning.

Having battled her way through two qualifiers, she wasn’t able to win her third and final match as she was beaten by Thailand’s Luksika Kumkhum 6-4, 6-2.

Her defeat means Dudi Sela will be Israel’s only singles player at the tournament, following qualifying defeats for Shahar Peer and Amir Weintraub.

Sela will face German Benjamin Becker in his first round match, and would potentially face Rafael Nadal in the second round, his first round match scheduled for Monday morning.

Other Israeli interest sees Jonathan Erlich teaming up with GB’s Colin Fleming in the men’s doubles. They face Netherland’s Robin Haase and Spain’s Fernando Verdasco in their first round match.

On Court on Day One is Noah Rubin, who won the Wimbledon boys junior title in 2014. The American takes on the 17th seed, Frenchman, Benoit Paire, third on Court 6. Also in action is Italian Camila Giorgi, who takes on the number one seed Serena Williams.