Ajla Tomljanovic has recorded some of the significant Grand Slam wins of her profession.

A yr after being left heartbroken when a knee harm compelled her out of her dwelling Grand Slam, the 30-year-old made a triumphant and emotional return at Australian Open 2024.

The Aussie favorite showcased her dedication in a first-round showdown with world No.40 Petra Martic at John Cain Area this night.

Trailing 1-4 within the deciding set, Tomljanovic got here charging again to document a steely 7-6(3) 4-6 6-4 victory in a two-hour and 53-minute battle.

“She actually retains you in your toes and I felt like I by no means actually obtained settled to play my recreation,” Tomljanovic mentioned.

“She hits wonderful photographs after which I can’t learn her serve on a regular basis, so I actually felt like I needed to cling in there as a result of I knew it might activate a dime.”

Because the match edged nearer to midnight, Tomljanovic was buoyed on by a passionate crowd.

“I actually was out at one level. I felt like she was sort of toying with me,” Tomljanovic advised the gang in her post-match interview.

“However 4-1 down, double break, you guys by no means gave up, much more than me. So I used to be like if you happen to’re right here, I ought to give it my finest.”

That is Tomljanovic’s first top-50 win since November 2022, marking one other key milestone in her aggressive return.

The challenges solely improve for Tomljanovic from right here, with world No.10 Jelena Ostapenko awaiting within the second spherical.

Ostapenko, who received final week’s Adelaide Worldwide title, eradicated Aussie wildcard Kimberly Birrell within the opening spherical.