The Australian tennis scene has a new name to cheer for. Tristan Schoolkate is making the headlines as he steps into his Home Slam at the Rod Laver Arena to face World No. 1 Jannik Sinner. Against all odds, the Australian underdog has taken a set off the tournament favorite, showing he’s no pushover. He is going against Sinner toe-to-toe, proving his mettle. But while Schoolkate’s talent is evident, his success is deeply rooted in the guidance of those in his corner. Who are the people behind his brilliance?

The 23-year-old Perth native’s tennis journey began at the age of 4, under the watchful eye of his father, Peter Schoolkate. As a professional coach himself, Peter had a significant influence on Tristan’s early development, shaping his game on the grass courts of Claremont Lawn Tennis Club. His hands-on approach gave Tristan a solid foundation and instilled a love for the sport that continues to drive him today.

But as Tristan’s career advanced, so did his coaching needs. Enter Andrew Roberts, a seasoned coach with an impressive resume. Roberts currently oversees Schoolkate’s training and also works with Adam Walton, a fellow Australian tennis player who doubles as Schoolkate’s occasional doubles partner and friendly rival. Together, they’ve pushed each other to improve, fostering a competitive yet supportive dynamic.

Roberts isn’t new to high-pressure tennis environments. His experience includes stints as the Assistant Tennis Coach at Bishop Noll Institute (2008-2009) and as the Head Coach at Tennis Australia’s National Academy in Perth. He has also contributed to the success of professional players, most notably Sam Stosur, and has been involved with Australia’s Fed Cup team. This depth of experience has been invaluable in preparing Schoolkate for the intensity of matches like the one he’s playing today.

Tristan Schoolkate opens up on facing World No. Jannik Sinner

Tristan Schoolkate, the No. 173 player in the PIF ATP Rankings, is making waves at the Australian Open in his main draw debut. His journey to this stage has been nothing short of impressive.

Schoolkate first stepped onto the Grand Slam stage in 2024, debuting at the US Open. There, he pulled off an incredible comeback against Taro Daniel, rallying from two sets down to win. But his run was cut short in the second round when he lost a dramatic five-set match to rising star Jakub Mensik in a nail-biting tie-break.

Fast forward to the Australian Open, and the stakes are even higher. His second-round match is unlike any. The 23-year-old Aussie has two tour-level match wins under his belt, but his opponent has two major trophies. However, Schoolkate is approaching the match with unwavering enthusiasm and positivity.

“It’s fantastic. I’ve got nothing to lose,” Schoolkate said. “To play a World No. 1, it’s pretty crazy, pretty cool. I’m going to give my best shot, and I believe I can win the match. I’m going to go out there and have a crack and do everything I can. And if it’s good enough, it’s good enough. If it’s not, it’s not. We’ll go have a good time.”

Win or lose, Schoolkate is determined to make the most of the opportunity. Will the Australian tennis player create one of the biggest upsets or will Sinner prove too strong? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.