Kruger, the youngest daughter of the late Free State and Springbok great, Ruben Kruger, advanced to the second round with a 6-2, 1-6, 7-5 win after 2 hours and 46 minutes on court.

Kruger was happy with her first-round performance.

“It was really a tough match against Urszula today, as she is a very experienced player, and I am really grateful that I had an opportunity to compete against her.

“In the first set, I came on a bit dominant, and then in the second set she just raised the level to push the match to a decider.

“The deciding set was quite tough, but I am incredibly happy I managed to close out the match. I am just excited to have another opportunity to play in the second-round tomorrow.”

Kruger will face the Russian sixth-seed Anastasia Tikhonova, who on her turn beat Alice Robbe from France in straight sets.

Isabella’s sister, Zoe, the country's top-ranked player, was knocked out in the first round, despite her spirited performance against four-time Grand Slam doubles champion Timea Babos of Hungary.

Wednesday was also the birthday of both Zoe and her late dad, Ruben.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport