Rome, Italy, 10 May 2021 | Leigh Rogers

Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic has scored a hard-fought three-set win against world No.59 Laura Siegemund to earn a main draw place at this week’s Italian Open.

Tomljanovic posted a 6-7(5) 6-3 6-2 victory over the German, who was a Roland Garros quarterfinalist last year.

In a battle that lasted two hours and 40 minutes, the determined Tomljanovic saved 13 of the 18 break points she faced. The 28-year-old Aussie, who is currently ranked No.78, also returned well and won 75 per cent of points on Siegemund’s second serve.

Tomljanovic has been pitted against Marketa Vondrousova in the opening round.

The Australian’s head-to-head record with the world No.21-ranked Czech, who was a Roland Garros finalist in 2019, is tied at one-all. Tomljanovic won their most recent meeting in February 2020.

Main draw action begins tonight, with Australians Alex de Minaur, Ellen Perez and John Peers all scheduled to play first-round matches.

Aussies in action – Rome

RESULTS
Women’s singles qualifying, final round
[14] Ajla Tomljanovic (AUS) d [3] Laura Siegemund (GER) 6-7(5) 6-3 6-2

COMING UP
Women’s singles, first round
[1] Ash Barty (AUS) v Bye
[Q] Ajla Tomljanovic (AUS) v Marketa Vondrousova (CZE)

Men’s singles, first round
John Millman (AUS) v Dusan Lajovic (SRB)
Alex de Minaur (AUS) v [WC] Gianluca Mager (ITA)

Women’s doubles, first round
Ash Barty (AUS)/Jennifer Brady (USA) v Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA)/Jessica Pegula (USA)
Ellen Perez (AUS)/Zheng Saisai (CHN) v [7] Xu Yifan (CHN)/Zhang Shuai (CHN)

Men’s doubles, first round
Max Purcell (AUS)/Luke Saville (AUS) v Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN)/Hubert Hurkacz (POL)
John Peers (AUS)/Michael Venus (NZL) v Austin Krajicek (USA)/Oliver Marach (AUT)
Alex de Minaur (AUS)/Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) v [3] Ivan Dodig (CRO)/Filip Polasek (SVK)