Zoe Hives is into the second round of the Australian Open singles qualifying tournament.
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She needs three wins to secure a spot in the main draw.
Ballarat's Hives, who is on the comeback trail, defeated China's Xinyan Han in straight sets, 7-5, 6-0, in Melbourne on Tuesday.
She now faces 246-ranked Emina Bektas - a 28-year-old from the United States.
The winner of Hives and Bektas will play the winner of Americans Francesca Di Lorenzo (201) and Christina McHale (159).
Hives has not played in a professional tournament in two years after a series of setbacks and her world singles ranking has dropped from inside 200 to 625.
She reached the second round of the Australian Open in 2019 and also played in doubles in that year.
The 25-year-old earned a wildcard into the qualifying tournament after an injury delayed her comeback to competition.
The Australian Open will be played on January 17-30.
