Top seed American Williams requires mid-match treatment to overcome Russia's 29th seed Pavlyuchenkova 6-1, 1-6, 6-2 and enter Round of 16
Top seed American Williams requires mid-match treatment to overcome Russia's 29th seed Pavlyuchenkova 6-1, 1-6, 6-2 and enter Round of 16 Top seed Serena Williams survived a worrying mid-match health scare to defeat Russia's 29th seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-1, 1-6, 6-2 and reach the French Open last 16 on Saturday.
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| American World No 1 Serena Williams returns to Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova during their third round match of the French Open at Roland Garros on Saturday. Williams won 6-1, 1-6, 6-2. pics/afp |
The American World No 1, who was the 2002 champion here, required treatment courtside after slipping at 0-5 down in the second set, having cruised through the opener.
She had her pulse tested and temperature taken although she did manage to compose herself to win the next game before the 18-year-old Russian went on to level the match. "I was a little dizzy and fatigued and just tried to stay in there. I saw a doctor after the match," said the American.
"He told me to rest. He said there's a bug going around, players are feeling tired and getting sick the next day.
But I feel a lot better now. I just thought: 'Let me hit winners and get through the match'."
After being treated by the doctor, Williams, still appearing uncomfortable on court, fought off three break points in the third game of the final set. Pavlyuchenkova, bidding to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time, was then immediately broken as Williams unleashed a barrage of heavy forehands to shorten the points as well as her time on court.
Williams, who won a 12th career Grand Slam singles title in Australia in January, arrived in Paris under an injury cloud after a knee injury sidelined her until May.
Serena's a great fighter"In the third maybe she took some pain-killers from the doctor and could have been a little dizzy. But she was still aggressive and played with more power," said Pavlyuchenkova.
Other results (Men) Mikhail Youzhny bt Viktor Troicki 2-6, 7-6 (7-4), 6-2, 6-3; Jurgen Melzer bt David Ferrer 6-4, 6-0, 7-6 (7-1); Novak Djokovic bt Victor Hanescu 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. (women) Shahar Peer bt Marion Bartoli 7-6 (9-7), 6-2; Daniela Hantuchova bt Yanina Wickmayer7-5, 6-3; Nadia Petrova bt Aravane Rezai 6-7 (2-7), 6-4, 10-8.
