World number six Maria Sakkari progressed to the second round of the Adelaide International at Memorial Drive on Monday by grinding out a 6-2 0-6 6-4 victory over Slovenian Tamara Zidansek.
"It didn't feel great, to be honest, it wasn't a good match from my side," said Sakkari, who reached the semi-finals at the French and U.S. Opens last year.
"But I found a way to win and sometimes that's enough and I'm excited to be in the second round."
Sakkari ranked third at Adelaide, won a first set that was more keenly contested than the scoreline suggested before slumping dramatically in the second.
The No.3 seed will face either Shelby Rogers or a qualifier in 2R.
"I've said many times how much I love Australia and how much I enjoy playing here because of the large Greek community.
Its great to be back in the sun and not in freezing Athens." Sakkari said after the game.