Olivia Rogowska has staged a remarkable comeback to book her spot in the French Open main draw after a 3-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 win over Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia on Friday in Paris.
Having found herself down a set and a service break for the second time in as many days, Rogowska rallied to draw level at 5-5 in the second, before Haddad Maia broke the Australian’s serve and had an opportunity to serve for the match.
Two points from defeat, Rogowska fought hard to break and take a close tiebreak to force a decider.
The 23 year old grew in confidence from that moment on, serving 5 aces and hitting 19 winners in the final set, taking it 6-3.
“I’m really pleased that I got over some mental barriers that I’ve been working on,” Rogowska said.
“I’ve got some matches under my belt and I feel like I already have an advantage over my first-round opponent.”
It is the first time in Rogowska’s career that she has successfully qualified for the main draw of a Grand Slam tournament, and the first time she has contested in the main draw of Roland Garros since 2009.
Then, as a 17-year-old, she upset Maria Kirilenko en route to the second round.
Rogowska will join fellow Emageo Group athlete Casey Dellacqua in the main draw.