Katie O'Brien pointed to the biggest pay cheque of her career as vindication of her decision to turn her back on university.

The 21-year-old former Woodhouse Grove pupil picked up a guaranteed £16,325 after reaching the second round with a 6-3, 7-5 victory over Germany's Sandra Kloesel.

O'Brien took her A-levels in maths and French during her first visit to Wimbledon three years ago but then called a halt to her studies in order to concentrate on her promising tennis career.

"I could quite easily have gone to university but I think tennis is a unique opportunity," said the new British No 1.

"There's no reason why I might not pursue an academic career later in my career but, while I've still got this opportunity, I'm going to take the tennis as far as I can."

O'Brien faces Michaella Krajicek, the 18-year-old sister of former Wimbledon champion Richard, in the next round.