Ranah Stoiber battled past a familiar opponent to mark her return to Wimbledon with victory.
Stoiber was back at the All England Club for the first time since 2021, having had to withdraw from the Junior event last year due to injury.
And she was handed a first round draw against qualifier Malwina Rowińska on Sunday, an opponent she has played regularly during the early stages of her career.
Stoiber served for the match in the second set only to be pegged back by the Pole, but ultimately edged her way to a 6-3 6-7(5) 6-3 victory to reach the second round.
“The biggest feeling is just relief and I’m just pleased to get over that line and get to win,” said Stoiber.
“I served for the second set at 5-4 and didn’t win a point and that was really tough. I’ve played her before and I know she’s a fighter, so I just put my head down.
“It was about making her play and hoping she missed and I’m proud with how I responded.”
Stoiber next faces 16th seed Charo Esquiva Banuls, the Spaniard having won her opening round contest in straight sets.
It promises to be a tough test, but the 18-year-old from London believes that she is ready to take on anyone.
Stoiber added: “This win is going to give me lots of confidence. She was serving some real bombs out there and to get through that feels pretty good.
“It’s our home Slam, it feels really special, especially when the crowd are shouting your name.”
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