Ajla Tomljanovic is "dangerous" to the women's draw following her three-set win over American Ashlyn Krueger, according to tennis great Alicia Molik.
Speaking exclusively to Wide World of Sports, Australia's former Billie Jean King Cup captain said Tomljanovic appeared to be in great form, showing no signs of slowing down after injuring her knee in November.
"She's fit. That's not a question," Molik said.
Ajla Tomljanovic of Australia celebrates. Getty
Tomljanovic took a tumble in the Billie Jean King Cup quarter-finals in November, aggravating her knee.
The injury forced her to pull out of tournaments in Brisbane and Hobart, however, she played in the qualifying round at the Adelaide International last week.
She fell in straight sets against Krueger, but she got her revenge on Monday.
"I watched her entire match yesterday. It was incredibly pleasing from my perspective," Molik said.
"She had a really interrupted year and interrupted few months suffering some discomfort through the Billie Jean King Cup with her knee and getting herself back up for the Australian summer.
"She needed to start late and played qualifying in Adelaide, which proved she was ready but probably was underdone with match play, but she put in a good effort yesterday."
Watch the Australian Open live & free on the 9Network & 9Now. Stan Sport is the only place to watch every match ad-free, live & on demand with centre court in 4K.
Alicia Molik, Australia Fed Cup Captain high fives Ajla Tomljanovic after winning the first set Getty
Given a wildcard into the tournament, Tomljanovic settled her nerves and became the second Aussie through to round two, after her 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 win.
The 31-year-old has never progressed past the second round of the Australian Open, a somewhat surprising return given she has reached the quarter-finals at both Wimbledon and the US Open.
Molik said her ability to bounce back after a tough three setter would be key to her chances of continuing through the draw.
"It's about feeling good today because I think when you haven't played as many matches, you tend to get a little bit more stiff or sore, and today would be a real priority to be a management day making sure," the tennis great explained.
"She's a true pro… she's been on the tour for so many years, such a professional, and she'll get that right."
Tomljanovic will play Diana Shnaider in the second round.
Looking ahead through the tournament, Molik expressed no concerns about any Tomljanovic injury, stating that she felt "dangerous" in the draw.
"We've seen her reach some career grand slam quarterfinals. I still think that's within reach," she said.Â
"Ajla really has to continue to back herself in because she's such a quality player.
"She's dangerous to the whole draw any day of the week as well, so I'm really excited to see her next match."
