Coach Nicole Pratt has worked with Polmans since June 2024. A former Australian No. 1 player, she says that qualifying rounds are among the most exciting in the tournament.

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“The players are incredibly motivated. They’re hungry to try and win three matches to get through to the main draw, where there are a lot of points and prizemoney on offer,” she says.

Twenty-four other Australians will join Polmans in the qualifying round. This includes former world No. 17 Bernard Tomic, who has soared from world No. 813 in August 2022 to now be ranked No. 213.

“If they’re able to qualify, it’s money they can invest in themselves and their teams for travel overseas… it’s a really important time,” Pratt says.

Tennis is an expensive sport. There’s equipment, gear and tournament entry fees. Coaches need to be paid, and the price of plane travel quickly adds up.

For a select few, the costs are no trouble. Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have each collected well upwards of $US100 million across their careers. In the women’s competition, Serena Williams tops the list – she’s earned $US95.8 million.

But for a player vying for the top 100, making it to the first round of a grand slam is a big deal. It can boost your ranking massively, and bring a big paycheck.

In 2024, Polmans won $US197,218 ($318,145) in prize money. This made him the 231st highest earner in a list of more than 4000 players.

At this year’s Australian Open, players who reach the first round of the singles draw will be paid $132,000. The winner of the tournament will pocket $3.5 million.

“The Australian Open pays us players very well,” Polmans says. “We can sustain our whole season with the prizemoney we get here.”

And the seasons are busy. He spends a lot of time away from his parents and partner, but travels with younger brother Greg – a former player who now supports in a coaching capacity – as well as Pratt.

“I’m just looking forward to playing the other grand slams,” says Polmans. “That’s what my goal is… and hopefully to have a season with no injuries.

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I’ve had a few niggles this season, so fingers crossed I can stay healthy and play a full 12 months on the tour.”

The team are always working to improve Polman’s game. Currently, it’s developing aggression with short balls and improving a transition to the net, as well as managing patella tendon issues in his knee.

“I like to keep it simple and make sure that we get the priority areas… [That’s] the difference between winning and losing,” says Pratt.

“But I think more than anything it’s about instilling belief within the players,” she says. “Making sure they’re coming out with a purpose of what they want to achieve.”

Polmans says that he is far from the teenager who debuted on the circuit in 2015. But there is one thing that’s stayed the same.

“I love my job… I love the travel, I love playing tournaments around the world. And I especially love playing at home here at the Australian Open,” he says.

“I’ve played the main draw a couple of times… and I want to relive those moments. I’m very excited to hopefully get there again.”

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