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Tomljanovic into 2nd round at Birmingham

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Ajla Tomljanovic, seen in this file photo, is through to the 2nd round of the Birmingham classic
Camera IconAjla Tomljanovic, seen in this file photo, is through to the 2nd round of the Birmingham classic Credit: AP

Ajla Tomljanovic has knocked out Elise Mertens in a mighty three hour, three tiebreak battle with the No.1 seed at the Birmingham Classic.

A day after their opening match was delayed due to COVID-19 concerns, Tomljanovic sent the Belgium home on Tuesday after a 7-6 (5) 6-7 (5) 7-6 (4) three hour and nine minute duel.

"I didn't expect to play that well and have such a close match but I came out and thought I'd just do my best," the Australian said after the first round win.

"I was actually just happy that it was a great match but with the outcome I'm even happier."

"This is a really big confidence-boosting win for me because I know she never gives you the match. She really made me work for it the whole match."

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"My energy was very neutral. I wasn't getting too happy or too sad and it worked, so maybe I should be like that all the time."

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