Maria Sharapova faced early elimination but survived two match points against Alexandra Panova in the second round of the the 2015 Australian Open. The No. 2 seed from Russia won in three sets, 6-1, 4-6, 7-5 but not without a great challenge from her compatriot.

“Yeah, it's not the easiest position to be in because you feel like things are just kind of getting out of your control. Usually I'm a type of player that is aggressive, the one that's doing something out there, not really waiting for another person's mistake,” Sharapova said in the tournament’s official website about being almost eliminated. ”You know, until the very end I still try to dictate', I still try to find my way. But, yeah, your back is against the wall, I guess.”

Sharapova walked over her opponent in the opening set, 6-1 winning 8-of-9 first serves (89%) in that set but struggled in the second set when she lost 4-6 after four double faults and 23 unforced errors. The struggle for Sharapova continued in the third set where the second seed trailed, 2-5 with Panova serving for the match. Panova, who was playing in her first-ever second round match in any Grand Slam, failed to get that single point and Sharapova won the next five points to win the third set and the match.

“Well, I didn't feel anything. I just had to win just another point or something. She came up with a good shots, with the winners. What could I do? I should played even better or something to keep the momentum,” A frustrated Panova stated post-match when asked about what she felt about the lost opportunity but credited Sharapova for the comeback win. “She's a great fighter. She's a great champion. To take it from her, you really need some extra.”

Sharapova admitted in the post-match interviews that she lost focus in the match and that her rhythm in this second round match was off. She got the focus and rhythm back in the latter half of the third set and is now set to meet Zarina Diyas of Kazakhstan in the third round of the 2015 Australian Open.

Email j.gloria@IBTimes.com.au to contact author of this article.

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