JULIE Pullin believes she can enjoy her best ever Australian Open.

The twice national champion from Hove will begin her bid to qualify for a main singles draw at a Grand Slam for the first time tonight in confident mood.

The 24-year-old is boosted by fond memories of a fine run last year which included victory over Wimbledon quarter-finalist Alexandra Stevenson.

She said: "I got to the final round of the qualies and I aim to go at least one better this year. That is a realistic target.

"If I can make the main draw I would have had a chance to play myself into form because I need to win three matches to do that.

"Then, if I can get a good draw and avoid a seed or two who knows?"

She faces Martina Sucha in her opening match, holding a victory over the Slovakian ten months agao.

The world 172 will be boosted by the presence of brother Keith, a qualified coach, courtside.

She said:" "It'll be good to have someone so close to me so far from home. It also gives him the excuse of giving me a bit of coaching.

"But I am being helped by former British player Nick Fullwood, too, because my own coach Leighton Alfred couldn't get out to Australia."

Pullin is also upbeat about her chances in the doubles, drawing a positive from a defeat, with Czech Eva Melicharova, against top seeds Martina Hingis and Anna Kournikova in the opening round last year.

"It was a great experience because I played on a show court in front of a packed crowd. They won 3 and 1, yet it gave me an idea of how to deal with that sort of occasion."

But she hopes for a more gentle passage this time.

"In Grand Slam doubles, it's unbelievable how many top ten players I've been drawn against so I hope for an easier draw this time round then I can run into some form!"

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