Sharapova overcomes gutsy Davis to reach Australian Open fourth round
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.