Australian Open 2026: 17-Year-Old Kazakh Tennis Player Battles Through Injury to Reach Semifinals

Kazakhstan’s Zangar Nurlanuly overcame severe cramping in the sweltering Australian heat to defeat Hong Kong’s Kay Thompson in the junior Australian Open 2026 quarterfinals. After a dramatic three-hour match ending in 3-6, 7-6 (7-4), 6-4, Nurlanuly secured his place in the semifinals.

During the opening set, Zangar experienced intense pain and required a medical timeout. Despite the physical setback, he managed to level the match by winning the second-set tiebreak (7-4). In the deciding set, the Kazakh athlete's cramps intensified, leaving him visibly limping; however, through sheer willpower and resilience, he clinched the victory.

Nurlanuly will now face Keaton Hance of the United States for a spot in the final. His success adds to a historic tournament for Kazakhstan, following final appearances by Elena Rybakina and Anna Danilina in the senior categories.