Australian Samantha Stosur has kicked off her Brisbane International journey with an opening round win over Japanese veteran Ai Sugiyama 6-2 6-3.
Thousands of fans got behind Stosur, a Queensland local, as she started her year in the best possible way.
Stosur remained solid under pressure, saving all seven break point chances against her. She was, however, a little wasteful when presented with break point opportunities, only converting three of seven chances.
But this ultimately proved to be enough.
The win means Stosur could potentially play fellow Queenslander Isabella Holland. Seventeen-year-old Holland will have to get past Czech Lucie Safarova first though.
Holland is scheduled to meet Safarova later today on Show Court 1.
In today’s other completed match, American Amer Delic, who yesterday conquered Australian Chris Guccione, has booked a place in the final round of men’s qualifying with a 6-4 6-3 win over Italy’s Marco Crugnola.
Next match at Pat Rafter Arena is Jarkko Nieminen (FIN) versus Marcos Baghdatis (CYP).