World number five Maria Sharapova on Friday battled past American rival Lauren Davis in three sets to advance to the fourth round of the Australian Open.
The five-time Grand Slam champion claimed a hard-fought 6-1, 6-7 (5-7), 6-0 win over Davis, who is currently ranked number 103 in the world.
Despite clinching the opening set with ease, the Russian tennis ace saw a spirited fightback from her American opponent to force a decider on Rod Laver Arena.
However, Sharapova bounced back with her service game in the third set and broke Davis three times on her way to a bagel, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.
It was Sharapova’s 600th career win and will next face 12th seed Belinda Bencic for a quarterfinal spot.
