After going undefeated through the qualifiers for the WTA tournament in Adelaide International, Rebecca Peterson, ranked 93rd in the world, was pitted against Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka, world number two and first seeded in the tournament, in the first round.
Sabalenka won the first even set, but had major problems with his serve and Peterson won the next two sets 6-1 and 7-5.
In the match, the Belarusian was noted for 21 double errors.
- It was tough to stay focused when I knew she had problems.
Just being in my own world to know how to play, it was very difficult.
But I'm glad I managed to win, says Peterson to the tournament's website.
The victory against Sabalenka was the Swede's first against a player ranked top five in the world.
- I have had some tough years so I am just very happy to start the year with a few matches, a few victories, to raise my self-confidence, says Peterson.
Peterson will next face Madison Brengle, to play for a place in the quarterfinals.
The Australian Open, this year's first grand slam tournament, kicks off on January 17.