Copyright © 2015. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.

Han Xinyun (CHN) and Yoshihito Nishioka (JPN) will contest the main draw of Australian Open 2016 after taking out the Asia-Pacific Wildcard Play-off finals in Shenzhen, China yesterday.

Han eased past top-seeded compatriot Wang Yafan 6-1 6-0 in the women’s final to secure her ticket to Melbourne Park, while Nishioka recovered to beat Taiwan’s Jason Jung 3-6 6-2 6-3 to secure the coveted men’s wildcard.

Han, the world No.157 and tournament’s No.2 seed, swept the last eight games in a row to seal victory.

“I feel like I get a second wind in my career,” the 25-year-old said.

“I’m more matured as a person now and more calm and clear-headed on the court, especially when playing at crucial moments.

“I will now take two or three days off and then travel to Beijing to train with Carlos Rodriguez in his tennis academy there. We’ll only have three weeks before the new season starts, which I don’t think is enough. I learned a lot from him in previous training sessions, he’s a really good coach and I want to learn more.

“I always respect (former Australian Open champion) Li Na a lot, right now I’m seeing her as my idol and my goal to work hard for. Hopefully I can become a better player in the next year and have a good performance in the Australian Open.”

World No.117 Nishioka said he was looking forward to joining countryman and world No.8 Kei Nishikori on court at Melbourne Park.

“I’m so excited that I can play main draw in the Australian Open, it will be the first time for me,” he said.

“Entering the top 100 was actually my goal for this year but I didn’t make it. Hopefully next year I’m able to be in top 70. And I already won a first round match in the US Open this year, so next time I hope I can win a second round at a Grand Slam.

“I don’t feel pressure (because) the attention from the Japanese media is all on Kei (Nishikori). He is someone all the other Japanese players look up to. It gives me motivation to try to play as good as he does.”

Doubles events concluded in Shenzhen on Saturday with Japanese pair Shuko Aoyama and Makoto Ninomiya winning the women’s doubles wildcard, and Taiwanese duo Hsieh Cheng-Peng and Yang Tsung-Hua scoring the men’s doubles wildcard.

Junior winners were also determined over the weekend, with 14-year-old Wang Xiyu (CHN) and 15-year-old Mu Tao (CHN) securing berths in the Australian Open Junior Championships girls’ and boys’ singles events respectively.

Australian Open 2016 Asia-Pacific Wildcard Play-off winners
Men’s Singles – Yoshihito NISHIOKA (JPN)
Women’s Singles – HAN Xinyun (CHN)
Men’s Doubles – HSIEH Cheng Peng (TPE) and YANG Tsung-Hua (TPE)
Women’s Doubles – Shuko AOYAMA (JPN) and Makoto NINOMIYA (JPN)
Boys’ Singles – MU Tao (CHN)
Girls’ Singles – WANG Xiyu (CHN)

Copyright © 2015. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.