Ajla Tomljanovic was left pinching herself after mounting a miraculous fightback to join Ashleigh Barty in the second round of the US Open.
Tomljanovic looked headed for the exit gates when she trailed Czech Marie Bouzkova 6-1 5-2 only to stage a great escape that not even she could believe.
From the brink, the Australian No.2 reeled off eight straight games to assume control before prevailing 1-6 7-5 6-1.
“At 6-1 5-2, I just kind of thought ‘OK, this isn’t the best day’. I didn’t even think about winning,” Tomljanovic said.
“I just thought maybe I can get one point, and then a second point, and just take it one point at a time.
“I actually thought that made my game better. I maybe changed my game style a little bit and I saw success with that. I’m really happy that I got through.
“I’ll be honest. I didn’t think I would at some point make it.”
While world No.47 Tomljanovic can look forward to showdown on Thursday with Estonian Anett Kontaveit, the 21st seed, after winning her opener at Flushing Meadows for the third-straight year, West Australian Astra Sharma bowed out.
Riding a nine-match winning streak after collecting her maiden WTA title last week at The Bronx, in-form Pole Magda Linette was too hot for Sharma, winning 6-3 6-4.
“Magda played a really good match. She’s obviously come off some really good matches. She played cleaner and better than me today,” Sharma said.
“But getting to play the main draw of all the slams (this year) has been amazing, they’ve all been good learning experiences.
“It gives me an idea of what I need to do to get back to this level and maintain it and get better.”