Sharapova survives scare to advance at Australian Open

Maria Sharapova of Russia makes a forehand return to Alexandra Panova of Russia during their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday. AP

MELBOURNE — No. 2-ranked Maria Sharapova saved two match points in a narrow escape against No. 150-ranked Alexandra Panova at the Australian Open on Wednesday, advancing to the third round with a 6-1, 4-6, 7-5 win.

Sharapova made 51 unforced errors as she went for the lines, saving some of her high-risk winners for when she needed them most in the 10th game of the third set when Panova, who had to come through qualifying and only previously had one win at a major tournament, was serving for the match.

Sharapova says: “I was one point away twice today from going out of the tournament. She played a pretty inspired match.”

RELATED STORIES
Venus Williams eyeing late career renaissance

Serena Williams’ dress with a message a hit with players