Jade Windley has stormed through three qualifying matches to take her place in the first round proper of the 50K Nottingham Challenger event.

It will be the biggest tournament of the year so far for the 20-year-old, but, ironically, waiting on the other side of the net in today's first round clash will be Windley's doubles partner Anna Fitzpatrick.

The two friends have not met in serious competition since they were both in the junior ranks, but Windley says she will have no problems in putting their friendship to one side until after their meeting.

"Anna is a very strong player, she reached the semi-finals of Junior Wimbledon in 2008," explained Windley.

"We have not played against each other for quite a long time but we play with each other quite often in doubles competitions.

"We are good friends and it will be strange playing against her, but I will have no problems putting aside the friendship while we are on court.

"I'm sure Anna will feel the same, we will both be going for it as hard as we can.

"She is a similar player to me, as in she is strong from the baseline, but she does like to come in a bit. Like me she has also had some injury problems and her world ranking has suffered because of it, but she was in the 300s at one time, so it is going to be a very tough game for me."

Windley, a former Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Horncastle student, eased through her first qualifying match against British youngster Amelia Box 6-0, 6-2.

Her next match was against highly-rated Jennifer Ren, a player ranked in the top 100 juniors in the world. But again, Windley breezed through, beating her fellow Brit 6-1, 6-2.

Windley's final qualifying match saw her come up against the higher ranked Emily Webley-Smith.

With a place in the first round up for grabs, this match proved tougher for Windley, who eventually prevailed 6-4, 7-6.

"I have been really happy with my game this week," Windley added.

"The courts are great and I am getting a feel for playing on grass.

"I feel really confident going into the next round.

"My back has not been troubling me too much. I have to take ice baths after each match, but it seems to be working so far and I am hoping it can stand a few more rounds yet.

"Getting through the qualifying rounds and into the first round proper will bring some nice ranking points, but there are even more up for grabs if I can get further."

Windley was due to play alongside her singles rival Fitzpatrick in a doubles clash against Naomi Brody and Katie O'Brien last night.