Erakovic makes a winning return 

Source: PhotosportNew Zealand's Marina Erakovic

New Zealand's Marina Erakovic made a successful return to competitive tennis in Italy on Monday.

Erakovic was made to work hard before seeing off Italian Alice Moroni 7-6 6-7 6-2 in the first round of qualifying for a $NZ134,085 International Tennis Federation (ITF) indoor event at Ortisei, Italy.

The 21-year-old is scheduled to next play Czech Kristyna Pliskova as she eyes a spot in the main draw.

Erakovic has been sidelined since March due to injury, forcing her to win the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open.

After originally suffering a stress-related hip injury, her comeback was delayed when she was troubled by an ankle complaint.

During her absence from the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) and ITF circuits her world ranking has plummeted to 238th.

She reached a career-high 49th in July last year and was 83rd when forced off the circuit in March.

Erakovic is eligible for a "special ranking" under WTA Tour rules, which is based on a player's ranking following their last tournament played.

That ranking can be used for entry into a maximum of eight WTA Tour events in a 12-month period, including one Grand Slam.