Perth native Astra Sharma has claimed an epic qualifying victory to join Thanasi Kokkinakis in advancing to the main draw of the Australian Open.
Sharma saved five match points during Friday's final-round qualifier against Russia's Irina Khromacheva before prevailing 5-7 7-6 (9-7) 7-6 (12-10) in two hours and 46 minutes.
She will face fellow Australian Priscilla Hon in the first round at Melbourne Park.
Sharma's maiden grand slam berth comes after she claimed a major upset victory over former Wimbledon finalist Vera Zvonereva in the first round of qualifying.
The 23-year-old had to do things the hard way, saving three match points in the second set and two in the third as Khromacheva battled severe hand and leg cramps.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Her qualifying triumph after losing in the wildcard playoff final swells local representation in the main draws of the season-opening major to 22.
Kokkinakis earlier defeated Canada's Peter Polansky 6-4 6-4, securing a main draw berth after being surprisingly overlooked for a wildcard entry.
One of just eight men to defeat Roger Federer in 2018, the South Australian will meet Japan's world No.78 Taro Daniel in the first round.
After battling injuries, most notably shoulder issues, Kokkinakis was granted a wildcard into last year's Australian Open but lost a four-set match to Russian Daniil Medvedev.
He hasn't returned to the main draw of a major since, falling in qualifying for the 2018 French Open, Wimbledon and US Open.
Nakitha Bains fell short in her final qualifier on Friday, losing to France's Jessika Ponchet in straight sets.
