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Ajla Tomljanovic has earned a spot in the second round of the Birmingham Classic after taking out Elise Mertens 7-6 (5) 6-7 (5) 7-6 (4)

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."

"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."