Rogowska keeps Open flame burning

Olivia Rogowska has staged a stunning fightback in qualifying to keep alive her chances of an eighth-straight Australian Open appearance.

The Melburnian looked down and out in Thursday's match with Dutchwoman Cindy Berger before prevailing 2-6 6-2 11-9 in two-and-a-half hours.

The 25-year-old was denied a wildcard into her home grand slam due to the emergence of younger local talent.

With a gritty performance, the world No.275 showed she was not ready yet to be cast aside.

Ellen Perez, who has never played the main draw at Melbourne Park, also hung tough, defeating Tadeja Majenic 6-3 1-6 7-5.

Abbie Myers, Tammi Patterson and Storm Sanders all lost their first-round qualifying match-ups.

On day one of qualifying, eight of 13 Australian men failed to get past the first round, including former world No.39 Marinko Matosevic.

Qualifiers need to win three matches to make it through to the main draw.