Ajla Tomljanović exacts swift revenge on strong day for home contingent at Australian Open
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A newly-positive Ajla Tomljanović secured “sweet” revenge on a player she lost to just nine days ago to book her place in the second round of the Australian Open for the sixth time. The 31-year-old held off fast-finishing American Ashlyn Krueger, prevailing in a nerve-wracking three-setter, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.
![[Talia Gibson was the first Australian into the second round at Melbourne Park.]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/667a632b1c45da571c498b7928d5abd3f00608a6/0_102_5695_3417/master/5695.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
On a successful second day for the local hopes at Melbourne Park, seven Australians had secured places in the second round before the start of the night session – five men and two women. Tomljanović led 4-0 in the deciding set before the 20-year-old – who beat the Australian in qualifiers for Adelaide just over a week ago – broke back, setting up a tense final few games. After errors on her first two match points, the Australian finally sealed the victory over her 52nd-ranked opponent after 144 minutes on a sunny day in Melbourne.
“Sometimes you can do everything in the preparation, but it really matters how you come out here and deal with everything that comes your way,” Tomljanović said. “I thought I played against a really tricky player, and having lost to her last week, it felt sweet to play again and get another chance.”.
Tomljanović was given a wildcard for the Australian Open after struggling with a knee injury in recent months, but appeared untroubled as she elevated her game in the final set. “I felt like I needed to be a bit more aggressive and be the one dictating the point,” Tomljanović said. “Because since we play similarly, I think we both don’t like when we are pushed, but it still got tricky in the end even with the 4-0 lead, so just really grateful to be through.”.
