Klugman prevails in Melbourne to enhance burgeoning reputation

The 1573 Arena, a vast open air sunken bowl, is the first sight of play that visitors from the river entrance come across once they pass through the gates into Melbourne Park.

Shortly after 11am on Monday when play at the 2024 Australian Open Junior Championships, began between the fourth seed Hannah Klugman and home favourite (and qualifier) Alana Subasic, the sky was overcast, with hoodies and hats - for warmth more than sun protection - worn widely.

The crowd for the round two clash was a fair size, Aussies support their own at this tournament but while they were vocal early on, it was the British following who very quickly took the ascendancy. 

Klugman won the esteemed Orange Bowl - historically a stepping stone to greatness for many young players - only last month and resembles a younger version perhaps of Victoria Azarenka, naturally athletic and with an all round game that is on a higher level than most other juniors. It is nothing less than mind blowing to discover that she is just 14-years-old.

Subasic, two years older, relied heavily on a booming forehand that she unleashed to considerable effect time and again, unafraid to loosen her shoulders and let go. 

Klugman though was on a mission, the first set snaffled 6-1 in 27 minutes, Aussie chants not so much dampened as wholly extinguished by the fire of the British play, 6-1 6-2 the final outcome.

Off court, Klugman it transpires, is arguably even more effervescent than her playing persona. She being English, we began with the chilly weather.

“It’s crazy isn’t it? To be fair people were telling me it’s very bipolar here,” she says.

“I really enjoyed that match on a big arena. I had a few British supporters out there. I played really well, I’m just getting used to the courts and improving every match.”

She is here with her father Robert and already appears to be having the time of her life.

“It’s my first time here, I love it," she added. "I mean it’s tough with the time difference, I usually travel with my mum but this time it’s a bit too far for her.”

Family and friends are kept firmly in the loop of what’s going down.

“I get texts, they (friends) don’t really understand," she said. "They are so supportive of me but they don’t really get it but they are always proud of me which is so nice.”

While very much enjoying the moment, there is tellingly maybe, already an eye on the future.

“Some of the slams aren’t as loud for juniors as these ones," she added. "Court No. 3 (for her opening match on Sunday) was crazy. I was like, ‘there’s no way these people are coming to watch juniors’. It’s so nice, it prepares you, juniors is a stepping stone to your career.”

Of course, no matter how promising the player, 14-years-old means schooling still.

“I have just gone online, literally a week ago," she revels. "I used to go to school at Wimbledon High which was great but obviously it just gets so much, doesn’t it. 

“When you are here for four weeks you can’t miss that much so I am online and bring my laptop. I’m trying to do some work here but it’s so tough honestly.”

Dad aside, the support from her playing contemporaries in Melbourne is first rate.

“I’m friendly with Tyra (Caterina Grant), Emerson (Jones), they are all lovely, we have got a really good bunch, our age group is such a nice group,” she says. 

“Tennis is such a lonely sport, so if you are not around school and stuff, it’s so nice to have people on the road. Also we can have chats, we play cards in the evening and we just hang out.”

Vlada Mincheva is next up in the last 16, a first meeting.

A full list of results from the 2024 Austrlaian Open Junior Championships is available here.