Ajla Tomljanovic reckons being an Australian tennis player in January is a blessing or a curse – depending on your outlook.

“You can look at it as good pressure or bad pressure,” Tomljanovic said after winning her first-round match on Monday at the Adelaide International.

“I choose just to see it as the best thing possible.”

Tomljanovic cashed in on her wildcard status in Adelaide with a slick triumph over Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva, winning 7-6 (7-4) 6-2.

The reward for the world No.52 is a meeting with second-seeded Romanian and reigning Wimbledon champion Simona Halep.

The Croatian-born Tomljanovic was granted Australian citizenship two years ago, having started competing in 2014 for her adopted country.

And, she is ready to be adopted again by Australian tennis fans, both in Adelaide and at the Australian Open starting next Monday in Melbourne.

“No matter how bad you’re playing, they’re going to cheer for you,” the 26-year-old said.

“All you have got to do is go out there and fight – just do your best really.

“They (Australians) love that fighting spirit, just to see you give it your all. That goes well with my personality.”

Tomljanovic rated Monday’s win on centre court at Memorial Drive as a bonus, having set her sights on purely gaining touch ahead of the Open in Melbourne.

“You always want to peak in the third tournament of January,” she said.

“I’m still hoping I’m saving my best for Melbourne but it’s always nice to get wins and just feel good about your tennis.”

Tomljanovic will be joined in the second round by the tournament’s fourth seed, Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic, who’s accounted for Russia’s Daria Kasatkina 6-4 6-4.

Fifth-seeded Dutchwoman Kiki Bertens has withdrawn, citing an achilles injury.