Woodman makes slam debut

Jin Woodman. (Damjan Janevski). 380973_05

Rising Sunbury tennis star Jin Woodman made a winning start to his grand slam career.

Woodman, who is just 15, is competing at the US Open in the junior wheelchair tennis competition.

Woodman is one of three Australians in the eight-player field in the boys competition, a record amount.

He beat fellow Australian Yassin Hill, 3-6, 6-6, 6-3 in the quarter finals.

Woodman fought back from an 0-3 deficit in the final set, winning the last six games.

Woodan, who trains at the Hume Tennis and Community Centre, is currently Australia’s highest-ranked junior wheelchair tennis player at world number four.

It’s the first time Woodman has travelled to America to play.

He has the chance to create history as he aims to become the first Australian to advance to a Grand Slam junior wheelchair singles final.

“It’s my first time going to a grand slam,” Woodman told the Tennis Australia website before the event. “So when I found out, I was jumping up and down and instantly told everyone at my school [Maribyrnong Sports Academy].

“It will just be such an amazing experience, and I think junior grand slams are cool because it gives you a taste of what your future could be like.”

Woodman has won four ITF titles this year and also received a silver medal as part of the Australian team at the 2024 World Team Cup in Turkey.

It’s the second straight year Woodman has been selected for the World Team Cup.

He said after missing out in 2022, he was focused on qualifying to represent his country.

Woodman said the World Team Cup was a personal highlight and representing his country is something he hopes to continue to do.

Speaking to Star Weekly earlier this year, Woodmen has some big goals.

“I want to make the grand slams,” he said. “I want to make the Australian Open and make the 2032 Paralympics.”