Samantha Stosur has overcome a showcourt snubbing and a stubborn opponent to safely reach the second round of the Sydney International.

Stosur rebounded from a first-round exit at last week’s Brisbane International with a gritty 4-6 7-5 6-3 comeback win on Tuesday over rising German Carina Witthoeft.

Australia’s only grand slam singles champion in the past 15 years was shunned to court three at Sydney Olympic Park, where fans crammed in and stood six deep outside to get a look at the former US Open champion and world No.4.

Stosur didn’t disappoint, digging deep late in the second set — when she stood only two points from defeat — to finally prevail after two hours and 21 minutes.

The victory will serve as a much-needed confidence booster ahead of the Australian Open starting on Monday in Melbourne.

The 33-year-old has failed to venture beyond the fourth round of her home grand slam in 15 attempts but will arrive this time with at least one summer win under her belt.

Last year, as well as 2013, Stosur crashed out in the first round in both Brisbane and Sydney, where she has failed to win a match in six visits since losing to Alicia Molik in the 2005 final.

Stosur next faces the winner of Tuesday’s all-Australian clash between Daria Gavrilova and Olivia Rogowska for a place in the quarter-finals.

With Ashleigh Barty to take on Sydney wildcard Ellen Perez in the second round later on Tuesday, Australia is assured of two women in the final eight.