Zangar Nurlanuly Reaches Quarterfinals at ITF J300 Traralgon

Kazakhstani tennis player Zangar Nurlanuly has made history by reaching the quarterfinals of the ITF J300 Traralgon tournament in Australia.

The ITF J300 Traralgon tournament is traditionally held just before the Australian Open Junior Championships, making it an important event for young tennis players preparing for one of the biggest junior tournaments in the world.

In the third round, Nurlanuly, who is currently ranked 12th in the ITF junior rankings, defeated American player Gavin Goode, ranked 21st. The match ended in straight sets, 7–6 (7–5), 6–1.

The key moment of the match came during the first-set tiebreak, where Nurlanuly stayed calm and managed to turn the match in his favor. After winning the tiebreak, he played with confidence and controlled the second set, allowing him to secure a convincing victory.

This result is especially significant because Nurlanuly is the first junior tennis player from Kazakhstan to reach the singles quarterfinals of the J300 tournament in Traralgon.

In the quarterfinals, he will face Luís “Guto” Miguel of Brazil, one of the top players on the junior tour. Miguel is currently ranked fifth in the ITF junior rankings. Their match is scheduled for January 19.

Previously, Qazinform News Agency reported that Kazakhstan is one of only three countries—along with the United States and Italy—to have players ranked in the world’s top 10 for both men’s and women’s tennis, highlighting the country’s growing success in the sport.

B2 Vocabulary List

Word / Phrase	Definition	Example Sentence
historic milestone	An important achievement that has never happened before	Reaching the quarterfinals was a historic milestone for Kazakhstani tennis.
quarterfinals	The round before the semifinals in a tournament	He advanced to the quarterfinals after winning in straight sets.
traditionally	In a way that follows long-standing habits or customs	The tournament is traditionally held before the Australian Open Juniors.
ranked	Given a position in a list based on performance	She is currently ranked among the top 20 junior players.
straight sets	Winning a match without losing any sets	He won the match in straight sets, 6–2, 6–3.
tiebreak	A special game used to decide a tied set	The first-set tiebreak changed the momentum of the match.
turning point	The moment when a situation begins to change	Winning the tiebreak was the turning point of the match.
momentum	The energy or confidence that helps someone succeed	After the first set, the player gained momentum.
controlled	Managed calmly and confidently	He controlled the second set with strong serving.
significant	Important or meaningful	This victory is significant for the country’s tennis program.
advance	To move forward to the next stage	The winner will advance to the semifinals.
junior tour	International competitions for young players	Many stars begin their careers on the junior tour.
scheduled	Planned for a specific time or date	The match is scheduled for January 19.
highlight	To show something as important	The result highlights Kazakhstan’s growing success in tennis.

Vocabulary Worksheet

A. Match the word to its definition

1. quarterfinals

2. momentum

3. tiebreak

4. advance

5. historic milestone

a. To move to the next stage b. A deciding game when the score is tied

c. An important achievement for the first timed. d.The round before the semifinals e. Confidence and energy that help someone succeed

B. Fill in the blanks

Use the correct vocabulary word.

1. Winning the first-set __________ helped Nurlanuly gain confidence.

2. Reaching the quarterfinals was a __________ achievement for Kazakhstan.

3. The match was __________ for January 19.

4. After the turning point, he __________ the second set easily.

5. The winner will __________ to the semifinals.

 Comprehension Questions

1. What makes the ITF J300 Traralgon tournament important for junior players?

2. Who did Zangar Nurlanuly defeat in the third round?

3. What was the key moment that changed the match?

4. Why is this result historically important for Kazakhstan?

5. Who will Nurlanuly face in the quarterfinals, and when?

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think reaching the quarterfinals is considered a historic milestone for Kazakhstan?

2. How important is momentum in individual sports like tennis?

3. Do you think winning in straight sets shows mental strength? Why or why not?

4. What challenges might a young player face when competing on the junior tour?

5. Should countries invest more in junior sports development to achieve significant international success?