Elena Baltacha powered through a stern test against Germany’s Angelique Kerber to reach round two of Wimbledon this afternoon (Monday).

Having won the first set convincingly, 6-3, the Scot suffered a slump and went down 6-2 in the second set, and had to rally in the final set, breaking serve three times and eventually prevailing 7-5.

Baltacha, who gained a wildcard entry into the tournament, now faces Jie Zheng of China in the next round.

“I was nervous and emotional," the 24-year-old told the BBC. "When I won it was pure relief.  I knew that she'd be a tough player but I also knew that it was a winnable match. I thought I'd lost it three times but I fought and fought.

Back spasms in a warm-up tournament last week made Baltacha’s outlook for SW19 bleak.  Indeed she has struggled with injury for several seasons.  But now she looks set to keep battling.

As long as I keep fighting I could have another surprise win,” she said.