Perth WA, Australia, 19 February 2018 | David Packman

West Australian Jessica Moore has survived a tough encounter in difficult conditions at the Perth Tennis International #2 to qualify for the main draw.

She joins fellow Australians Jaimee Fourlis and Olivia Tjandramulia who also made successful passage on Monday.

“It was really good to stay focused and get through it,” Moore said of the 7-6(3) 7-6(4) win over Japan’s Mai Hontama. “I was down breaks in both sets, but I just managed to stay solid, especially when it came to the tiebreakers. I was able to just really knuckle down and play my percentages with the wind.”

Moore, 27, has spent the last two years focusing on doubles but is relishing the opportunity to play singles on home soil.

“I wasn’t sure whether I was going to play singles this week but with a little less expectation on me it’s nice to get in and start the real deal tomorrow,” she said. “The last couple of matches I’ve been feeling really good out there. I’m confident and I have such good support at home.”

With partner Ellen Perez, Moore has also been seeing some solid results on the doubles court. Prior to winning the Perth Tennis international #1 last week, they made the final in Launceston and also reached the second round at the Australian Open as wildcards.

“The Australian Open was pretty exciting for both of us,” Moore said. “When in Australia, Ellen and I are pretty locked in together. It’s definitely nice to get some consistency with the same partner.”

With main draw playing commencing in Perth on Tuesday, Aussie wildcards Amber Marshall, Alicia Smith and Jelena Stojanovic will all get to show their wares.

Top-seeded Eri Hozumi of Japan – who faces Tjandramulia – and second seed Irina Khromacheva will begin their campaigns later in the week. Russian Khromacheva will be looking for consecutive titles after taking out the final last week in Perth.

Live scores of all Australian Pro Tour events are available through www.tennis.com.au/protour/scores and for a live stream of selected events visit www.tennis.com.au/protour.