Ana Konjuh advanced to the second round of the Australian Open with a 0-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory over Urszula Radwanska. The 18-year old staged a memorable comeback to book a date with Daria Kasatkina in the round of 64.

Radwanska With The Perfect Start

It didn't take long for the Pole to jump in front, breaking Konjuh at love to take the initiative. After a hold to 30, Radwanska broke on her first chance of the third game and she followed it up with a hard hold in which she saved a break point. Now up 4-0, Radwanska needed three break points before capturing Konjuh's serve for the third time. She proceeded to serve out the set at 15 and took the opening set 6-0. 

The younger Radwanska sister started the second set the same way she started the first, with a break, this one at 15. After holding to 30, Radwanska won her ninth straight game to lead 3-0 in the second.

Konjuh Begins Her Comeback

Three games from elimination, Konjuh took her first break point chance to win her first game of the match. Another first occurred in the next game, a hold by Konjuh after saving two break points to trim Radwanska's lead to 3-2. One game later, the Pole's lead was gone with Konjuh seizing another break to level the set at three. Breaks were traded and the set was even at four. The turning point in the match would come in the next two games. Konjuh held after a 13 point game, saving two more break points. She needed a fourth break of Radwanska's serve in the set, needing three set points to capture the middle stanza 6-4.

Konjuh Races Out To Big Third Set lead, Hangs On For The Victory

The final set began with both players holding: Konjuh to 30 and Radwanska to love. After digging out of a 0-30 hole to hold, Konjuh gained the lead for good, taking another break on her second chance for a 3-1 lead. Consolidating her lead with a hold, Konjuh made it six breaks out of the last seven Radwanska serve games to stretch her lead to 5-1.

Serving for the match, the Croat wobbled, dropping serve to keep Radwanska alive. Holding at love to cut Konjuh's lead to 5-3, Radwanska was unable to progress any further after winning seven of the previous nine points as Konjuh confidently serving out the match at 15. A lucky net cord on match point sealing Konjuh's amazing revival in her first match on tour since September of last year.

Familiar Foe Next Round

Konjuh and Kasatkina will be playing in the second Round for a second straight major with the Russian winning 6-4, 6-4 at the US. Open.

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About the author
John Lupo
I am a writer and photographer. I have two Instagrams: @lupojohn1 is my personal account while @dslr_transit_photos is my photography account as I do transit photography in my hometown of New York City.