Reigning Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova rallied from a set down to defeat Philippines tennis star Alexandra Eala in the first round on Tuesday.
The Czech player struggled in the first set, but dropped only three more games to secure a 3-6, 6-2, 6-1 victory on the sweltering Centre Court.
Since defeating Italys Jasmine Paolini in last years final , the two-time Grand Slam champion Krejcikova has faced numerous challenges. The 29-year-old was sidelined until May due to a back injury and was eliminated in the second round at the recent French Open.
Krejcikova withdrew from the Eastbourne Open last week before the quarter-finals due to a thigh issue and had only competed in six matches this year before facing Eala on Tuesday.
I was in a lot of pain in my back and I didnt really know how my career was going to go, she said. Im super happy and super excited that I can be here and that I can play on such a great court.