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Maria Sharapova withstands heat to progress

Maria Sharapova defeats Karin Knapp 6-3 4-6 10-8 in the second round of the Australian Open.

Maria Sharapova has sealed her place in the third round of the Australian Open with a 6-3 4-6 10-8 victory over Karin Knapp.

Russia's Maria Sharapova celebrates winning match point against Italy's Karin Knapp in their women's singles second round match on day four of the 2014 Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 16, 2014© Getty Images

It was the Italian who drew first blood in the third game for a 2-1 lead, but the Russian responded with back-to-back breaks before serving out for a one-set lead.

Sharapova broke first in the second, but this time it was Knapp who offered an immediate response, before breaking decisively at 5-4 to level at one set apiece.

Holding serve became a rarity in the deciding set, but it was the world number three who created three match points on serve at 5-5.

However, she could not convert, allowing Knapp to get back on serve.

After three hours and 28 minutes in searing temperatures, Sharapova brought up a fourth match point at 9-8.

This time she was able to see it through, setting up a meeting with Alize Cornet for a place in the fourth round.

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Russia's Maria Sharapova returns against Portugal's Michelle Larcher De Brito during their second round women's singles match on day three of the 2013 Wimbledon Championships tennis tournament at the All England Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on Jun
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