'A fantastic reward for years of hard work': Jennings set for Junior Australian Open appearance

Eoghan Jennings to become the first Irish junior to compete at the event since 2022.

BIG STRIDES: Westport Tennis Club's Eoghan Jennings.

Irish junior tennis player Eoghan Jennings will compete at the Junior Australian Open in Melbourne next week. 

His upcoming appearance Down Under represents the Westport Tennis Club player's development, as he becomes the first Irish junior to compete at the event since 2022.

Teenager Jennings will begin his Junior Australian Open journey on Wednesday, January 21.

Jennings - who started playing at the age of 6 - has enjoyed an incredible junior tennis career thus far, winning national titles at every junior grade.

It's an achievement that has, naturally, filled his parents Padraig and Ciara with immense pride.

"We are delighted and very proud of Eoghan on qualifying to compete at the Junior Australian Open. A fantastic reward for years of hard work from Eoghan, his coaches, his wider support network and the continued backing from Tennis Ireland."

A key part of Jennings’ journey has been the role of his home club, Westport Tennis Club, which has supported his development from his earliest years in the sport.

That sentiment is shared within the Irish tennis scene and specifically at in Mayo, at Westport Tennis Club.

"Westport Tennis Club is immensely proud of our junior player Eoghan Jennings in qualifying for the 2025 Australian Junior Open," said Mary Ward of Westport Tennis Club.

"Our globetrotting junior has clocked up thousands of air miles this year, collecting points and improving his rankings, in order to qualify for this first Grand Slam of the year.

"Eoghan is an exceptional young man, on and off the court. He is a credit to his parents Ciara and Padraig and his coaches Garrett, Daniel and Jan. Special mention goes to his first coach, Dan Irimia, who spotted Eoghan’s talent at the tender age of 5.

"We wish Eoghan and his coach Garrett Barry a safe trip and a successful tournament Down Under."

Added Garrett Barry, Jennings' head coach: "On behalf of Eoghan’s coaching team in Mayo and Connacht, we are incredibly proud of his achievement. We hope that in reaching his first Grand Slam, Eoghan will inspire players everywhere, especially those outside the traditional tennis strongholds, to believe that it can be done, no matter where you come from."