Fox posted a time of 94.14 to finish ahead of Rio 2016 gold medallist, Maialen Chourraut of Spain to qualify for Friday's semi-finals.

The dual Olympian is the reigning World Cup champion in the K1 event having won three golds and a silver during the season.

Fox admitted to having nerves as she returned to the course where she won an Olympic bronze after officials handed her a two-second penalty despite crossing the line first.

"It's obviously a different situation two years on but it's nice to be back and I have some good memories here," Fox told ICF Media after her run.

“Obviously with Rio, it was amazing to win a second Olympic medal. But I was left a bit frustrated because I felt like it wasn’t my best race.

“That’s what I’ll be looking for next, just one run at a time. The semi will be next, and then if I make the final, the goal will be to give it everything and have no regrets at the bottom,” she said.

There was also good news for fellow Aussie Kate Eckhardt who also qualified for the semifinals after having to rely on a second run to progress.

Fox will be back on the water early Friday morning AEST for the Women's C1 Heats alongside sister Noemie Fox and Rosalyn Lawrence.