Kuznetsova holds off Jankovic in Open epic

Eighth seed Svetlana Kuznetsova has been pushed to the limit by Jelena Jankovic but has managed to avoid history repeating itself at the Australian Open.

The two-time grand slam champion prevailed over former world No.1 Jankovic in a three-set epic on Friday, claiming a 4-6 7-5 9-7 victory in three hours and 36 minutes.

Kuznetsova, a three-time quarter-finalist at Melbourne Park, was poised to win after taking the first set and a 4-1 lead in the second but Jankovic fought back and forced a decider.

It wasn’t the first time the Russian’s endurance had been tested at Melbourne Park but it had a better outcome this time around.

Kuznetsova was defeated by Francesco Schiavone 6-4 1-6 16-14 in four hours and 44 minutes in the fourth round of the 2011 Open.

She squandered six match points during what proved to be the longest women’s singles clash at the Open.

“For me, it was very important to win (this) match because I was up a set and 4-1 and I let it go,” Kuznetsova said.

“Jelena was in total control in the third set … I was trying to hang in there. It’s amazing I could change the game in the third set. I was fighting and I’m really happy I won.”

Kuznetsova’s opponent in the round of 16 will be compatriot Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.

The 24th seed had earlier shrugged off a bout of muscle tightness to upset Ukrainian Elina Svitolina 7-5 4-6 6-3.

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