MELBOURNE: Sofia Kenin launched her Australian Open defence with a 7-5, 6-4 win over Maddison Inglis on Tuesday but found the going tough against the plucky Australian wildcard.
Kenin was broken twice and slumped to a 3-1 deficit early before steadying in the sunshine at Rod Laver Arena.
The American fourth seed double-faulted on the first of three match points but finally sealed the contest as she marched forward to thump a backhand drive volley.
Kenin will meet either Kaia Kanepi or Anastasija Sevastova for a place in the third round.