British No.1 Heather Watson has advanced to the third round of the Australian Open after escaping from three match points down to beat Ksenia Pervak.
At one point it seemed as if Watson had already decided her fate when she trailed Pervak by a set and 6-3 in the second tie-break in Melbourne.
A typical trait of determination and grit from Watson helped her find her rhythm from the baseline at the crucial moment, and she fort back to win 4-6 7-6 9-7 6-2 after three hours and two minutes of match play.
The British No.1 will now play fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska in the third round of the Australian Open. Watson's third round match could make it difficult to advance any further in the competition as, Radwanska is on top form and has won all 11 matches and two titles in 2013.
Pervak played the better game of tennis in the opening stages, breaking to love in the opening game and deservedly edging a first set with three breaks.
In the second set Pervak moved clear by 2 games to none but while errors continued from Watson, the winners began to come as well.
Watson's determination brought her back on level with her opponent and forced the tie-break, but some wild errors from the Briton allowed Pervak to capitalise and took the match to 6-3.
The deficit Watson created was erased after more looser play from the Briton and she began striking the ball with real freedom as she pounded from side to side on the baseline. Watson then converted set point to level the match.
Pervak, ranked 82nd, immediately headed for a bathroom break and took some time to return, presumably castigating herself for letting such a golden opportunity slip by.
Within 25 minutes she found herself 4-0 down in the decider against an opponent apparently struggling with cramp, but at the same time cleverly mixing up her game.
A nerveless love service game gave Watson victory and, understandably thrilled, moments later she was in an embrace with the British supporters gathered courtside.
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