Melanie South has clinched a spot in the second round of the AEGON Classic after securing a 6-1 4-6 6-3 victory over Mirjana Lucic.

The British pro looked composed and focused in the initial stages of the clash, grabbing the first break of the match and holding her serve well.

South enforced her game on the contest, controlling the court and executing a host of impressive backhand shots and returns, which prevented her Croatian opponent from imposing her style of play.

After snatching the first set 6-1, South began to dip slightly as Lucic came into her own in the early stages of the second set. The 26-year-old Brit took the first break of the set but Lucic immediately broke back and managed to push on to claim the second set 6-4.

Despite the setback, South managed to regain composure and wrap up the match in the third set to ensure progress into the next round.