Sam Stosur Monday dug deep to win a thrilling three-set contest against Czech Lucie Safarova to advance to the women's singles' second round of the Sydney International tennis tournament.
Stosur prevailed in a three-hour slog to win 7-6, 5-7, 6-3, ending a six-match losing streak against the World No. 16, reports dailytelegraph.com.au.
The Australian, who has recently been criticised for her perceived lack of mental strength after tanking in the first round of the Brisbane International, showed her famous fighting qualities throughout the gruelling match.
Every game was hard-fought and Stosur was delighted to notch her first win of 2015.
"It's a much better feeling winning than losing that's for sure. I certainly gave it everything I had," Stosur said.