The Australian Open is rightfully called the “Happy Slam”! This major event kicks off the first Grand Slam of the season with its signature excitement and positive energy. It’s known for its sunshine, smiles, and that unmistakable Australian cheer. And every year, it delivers moments that warm the heart. Especially now, as some players return from the off-season, bringing big news to the court!

On January 16, Australians Jason Kubler and Maddison Inglis lit up the court with a perfect mix of heart and hustle in the 2026 Australian Open qualifying rounds. The couple, who got engaged just last month, each stormed through three matches to book their spots in the main draw.

“Very happy,” Kubler said after his win. “Got engaged almost a month ago now. You know I’ve been getting the ‘when-is-the-wedding?’ questions and stuff like that but you know that’s a long time in the future, so right now, just focus on tennis. Hopefully, Maddy can keep going.”

A beaming Inglis, who learned of Jason’s result while signing merch for fans, couldn’t hide her excitement. “You won as well?” she exclaimed before rushing to embrace him.

On one side, Kubler battled through a tough one against Belgian youngster Alexander Blockx, shaking off a slow start to turn the tide. Trailing by a set, he powered back to lead 3-6, 6-3, 1-0 before Blockx retired.

Minutes later, he swapped sweat for smiles as he watched Inglis deliver a commanding 6-4, 6-4 win over Germany’s Tamara Korpatsch, her first main draw appearance since 2022.

The couple, ranked 192nd and 167th in the world respectively, announced their engagement last month. They got engaged at Rottnest Island and soon after shared the news on social media in a joint Instagram post on December 19. Maddison wrote, “Our first time to rotto was pretty special 🥰🥰🩷🩷💍💍” to commemorate their special trip.

They also competed together at the United Cup earlier this month, where they spoke about their engagement while representing Team Australia.

Tennis couple rave about their engagement ahead of their Australian Open campaign.

The longtime partners spent the past month in Perth, and the highlight was their engagement. During Team Australia’s press conference, their story stole the spotlight, with Alex de Minaur, who knows all too well about this feeling, having experienced it last year after being newly engaged to his longtime partner and WTA British star, Katie Bouler. He was playfully prompting them to share more about it.

“It was super exciting. I didn’t anticipate the hour leading up. I was so nervous. That was crazy. Felt like we were on a first date again,” Kubler said. “Very happy I did it. Very happy Maddy said yes, which is good.”

“It’s very exciting, especially having that time in Perth. It was our first time to Rotto,” Inglis added. “It was such a special spot to do it. It was really exciting. It’s been nice to spend these couple weeks together after, to enjoy it. Yeah, it’s super exciting we get to be on Team Australia. We’re looking forward to it.”

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But the romance didn’t distract them from business! Kubler and Inglis were Australia’s No. 2 singles players at the United Cup and came ready to fight for national glory. Both showed grit and focus, proving that their chemistry translates perfectly from life to court.

“Not often we can play the same tournaments. When we can, we try,” Kubler said. “To start the year together playing for Australia as well, supporting these guys, is super special. We’re looking forward to the week.”

Team Australia went on to reach the quarterfinals before bowing out to the eventual champions, Team Poland. It wasn’t the fairytale ending they dreamed of, but it was still a good run. Moreover, the couple was glad to share the experience before stepping into the pressure of the Grand Slam stage.

The Australian Open kicks off on Monday, January 19, and both players have tough openers. Kubler faces American No. 29 seed Frances Tiafoe, a rival he’s yet to beat in three previous meetings. On the other hand, Inglis takes on compatriot Kimberly Birrell for the eighth time, looking to turn the tide on a challenging 2-7 head-to-head record.

What do you think? Can the engaged duo ride their momentum and power through the main draw? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!