Fighting for the honour of Australian southpaws, Ellen Perez will be out to avenge her pal Storm Sanders when she makes her Wimbledon main draw debut.
One of four Aussie women who open their accounts on Tuesday, Perez had actually hoped it would be five after Queenslander Sanders got knocked out in the final round of qualifying in a close three-set tussle with rising French star Carla Burel.
In an uncanny sight last Friday, Perez and fellow Australian left-hander Sanders simultaneously took on French opposition in win or bust qualifiers at Roehampton.
While Perez battled to beat Oceane Dodin in two-hard fought tiebreak sets, her friend Sanders was ousted 7-5 in the fifth soon afterwards.
To the surprise of Shellharbour's Perez, Sanders' conqueror - the 20-year-old former world No.1 junior Burel - was later named as her first round opponent for her first Wimbledon main draw appearance.
"I'll hopefully gain some revenge for Stormy. I'll be playing for her - and myself obviously," smiled the 25-year-old Perez, who's in only her third grand slam.
"I don't know Clara well, but...she's just played a leftie in Storm, so that could mean she's tuned up to face me.
"I didn't really mind who I drew. Of course, you'd love to draw the big names like Serena (Williams) and have a great moment - but I'm definitely here to win.
"I want to win rounds, and get my singles career back on track."
Perez's singles ranking has dropped to world No.235 after concentrating on doubles recently with the Olympics in view.
But her aggressive game appears suited for grass, a fact her three qualifying opponents found out the hard way with 87 winners whistling past them.
"I can't wait," Perez said of her looming Wimbledon debut.
"I'd always wanted qualify for a slam - either on my own ranking or going through qualifying, rather than getting a wildcard.
"It's going to be a very proud for moment for me."
