Wozniacki Free to Visit Irish Open

Getty Images Europe

Tamira Paszek recovered from the brink of defeat to beat former world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki and book her spot in the second round of the Wimbledon singles.

The world No 37, who reached the quarter-finals last year, had to save two match points en route to beating the seventh-seeded Dane 5-7 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 after three hours and 15 minutes.

In a match that featured numerous long rallies, and began on Tuesday, Paszek appeared to be on her way out of SW19 when she trailed 5-6 and 15-40 in the second set having lost the first.

But she saved the match points with two excellent backhand shots and levelled matters at 6-6 with a run of four straight points under the Centre Court roof.

Wozniacki even held a 3-2 lead in the final set before losing six of the next seven points to set up a decider.

Although Paszek failed to serve out for the match at 5-3 in the final set, she held her nerve in the very next game, sealing victory with another brave shot on her first match point.

Wozniacki, who herself saved four set points before taking the first, was unable to match the attacking qualities of her opponent who arrived in London on the back of winning the Eastbourne title on grass last week.

Paszek faces Alize Cornet of France in the next round.