Melbourne: World No.2 Maria Sharapova had a narrow escape in the second round of the women's singles at the Australian Open tennis tournament against qualifier and fellow Russian Alexandra Panova here Wednesday, before winning 6-1, 4-6, 7-5.

The No.2 seed was in complete control as she broke service to take the first set 6-1, in just 26 minutes, on centre court at the Rod Laver Arena.