Venus Williams survived a scare as she booked her place in the third round of the Australian Open.
Fourth seed recovers to see off Zahlavova
Venus Williams survived a scare as she booked her place in the third round of the Australian Open.
The fourth seed struggled early on against Czech opponent Sandra Zahlavova, losing the first set on a tie-break.
She then had to leave the court for a medical time-out for treatment on an upper leg injury.
But Williams responded in emphatic style to record a 6-7 (6-8) 6-0 6-4 victory.
Tough
"It was really tough but I am such a long way from home and I didn't want to go home just yet," said Williams, who advances to play
Anne Keothavong's conqueror Andrea Petkovic in the third round.
"I don't know what happened, I just started going for shots and I am not sure she was as composed as before. You have to play under different circumstances."
Williams admitted had it been a regular tour event she may have succumbed to the injury which was clearly discomforting and restricting her movement.
"Yes, I think this being a major definitely had a lot to do with me staying on the court. I really haven't retired from a match in any tournament in quite a long time," she added.
"I think that's a testament to how I feel when I step on the court. I'm there to stay.
"This being a major I definitely gave it my best. It wasn't easy out there at all. Had it not been a major, it would have definitely been harder to continue."
World number one Caroline Wozniacki strengthened her claims for a maiden grand slam title as she blew away Vania King.
Wozniacki has come under fire for climbing to the top of the rankings despite struggling in the four majors.
However she moved a step closer to silencing her critics with a 6-1 6-0 rout against King.
"I definitely felt like I was playing good tennis today," she said. "I was playing aggressively, I was playing my game and I felt comfortable out there.
"I think I took the balls early, I made her run. I had a couple of good net approaches ... I just think in general I played a really good and solid match."
Dominika Cibulkova now awaits Wozniacki in the third round after the 29th seed edged out Alberta Brianti 6-1 4-6 6-2.
Former champion Maria Sharapova was another seed to enjoy a straight-sets win in the third round.
The Russian, who took the title in 2008, recovered from the loss of the opening three games to quell the challenge of France's Virginie Razzano 7-6 (7-3) 6-3.
Recovery
But French Open champion Francesca Schiavone, the sixth seed, was taken to the brink by Canada's Rebecca Marino before coming through 6-3 5-7 9-7 in two hours and 26 minutes.
Eighth seed Victoria Azarenka, meanwhile, continues to make smooth progress through the early rounds, overcaming Andrea Hlavackova 6-4 6-4.
And it was equally comfortable for ninth seed Na Li, who demolished Russia's Evgeniya Rodina 6-3 6-2.
The biggest casualty of the day was 15th seed Marion Bartoli. The Frenchwoman, a former Wimbledon finalist, was beaten 3-6 6-3 6-0 by Russian Vesna Manasieva.
