Angelique Kerber breathed a sigh of relief after the Australian Open's defending champion edged past Lesia Tsurenko and into the second round.
Kerber delivered a stuttering opening performance on Rod Laver Arena and looked in trouble when Tsurenko saved a match point in the second set before forcing a decider.
The world number one, however, drew upon all her powers of resilience to win 6-2 5-7 6-2 and set up a meeting with Germany's Carina Witthoeft.
Kerber has made an unconvincing start to the season following two early losses in Sydney and Brisbane but the German has fond memories of Melbourne, the scene of her first major triumph 12 months ago.
There was some irony too in how Tsurenko was spurred on by saving the second-set match point, given it was Kerber who came within one point of defeat in the first round here last year against Misaki Doi before going on to claim the title.
"I was thinking about it," Kerber said on court afterwards. " To be honest I was thinking that this was a match point and after last year I was thinking about it.
"But I am in the second round. First rounds are always tough. I am trying to enjoy it, it's amazing to be back."
Kerber looked set for a comfortable passage after winning the first set in just 27 minutes but Tsurenko recovered from 5-3 down in the second and took her fifth set point to ensure a dramatic finale.
While Kerber's shots were wavering, her mental fortitude remained strong as two breaks in the third set were enough to end Tsurenko's challenge and secure a gutsy victory.
Source: PA
