Jarmila Gajdosova blew a golden opportunity to break her nine-year duck at the Australian Open as she went down in a three-setter to German ninth seed Angelique Kerber on Monday.
Gajdosova, who battled the viral infection mononucleosis for much of 2013, looked the likely winner when she raced through the second set 6-0, despite rolling her left ankle and calling for a nine-minute medical timeout after the opening point.
But she could not keep the momentum going in the decider, allowing Kerber to escape with a 6-3 0-6 6-2 victory.
Gajdosova has never won a singles match at the Australian Open in nine attempts.
Kerber advanced to the final of last week’s Sydney International before being beaten by Bulgarian Tsvetana Pironkova.
After being totally outclassed by Gajdosova in the second set on Monday, she rallied in the decider, dominating the big points.
Gajdosova, 26, was the first of 15 Australians to complete their match at the opening grand slam tournament of the year.
Six others play later on Monday, with the other eight taking to the court on Tuesday.