Ajla Tomjlanovic needed every inch of her trademark fighting skills before overcoming Yuliiia Starodubtseva to advance to the round of 64 at the China Open in Beijing.
At first glance, the 7-6 (7-1) 6-2 scoreline suggests it was a comfortable win, but it was hardly the case as the veteran Australian needed a little more than two hours to dispose of the Ukrainian.
The 32-year-old Tomjlanovic, who has been beset by injuries throughout her career, made a slow start and found herself 4-0 down in the opening set.
But the one-time world No.32 rallied to take the set to a tiebreaker before conceding just one point to win the opening stanza.
It appeared to break the resolve of Starodubtseva, who won just two games after that to bow out.
Currently world No.94, Tomjlanovic had a mixed day with her serve, making eight double faults to go with five aces.
Tomjlanovic will have to raise her game if she wants to progress further to the last 32 with fifth seed Jessica Pegula her next opponent.
Content Source: www.perthnow.com.au