New Malden's Melanie South hopes a quarter-final appearance at the Fukuoka Challenger in Japan proves she has finally turned a corner.

South, 21, had previously won just one singles match this year, slipping from 166 to 192 in the world rankings.

But two victories in Japan mean the former British number two goes into qualifying for the French Open at Roland Garos, Paris, today (Wednesday) in some form.

"It has been a tough time on court, but things are ready to change," said the former Nonsuch School pupil.

"I have been working really hard in the past few months and am in a lot better shape.

"There is lots of hard work to do, but everything is going in the right direction and it won't be long before it all pays off."