Venus battles past gutsy Mirza to reach last 16

Eighth seed Venus Williams survived her toughest test at the Australian Open to beat Sania Mirza 7-6 6-4 and reach the fourth round on Saturday.

Eighth seed Venus Williams survived her toughest test at the Australian Open to beat Sania Mirza 7-6 6-4 and reach the fourth round on Saturday.

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Mirza produced a superb performance but American Williams eventually wore her down to reach the last 16 and will next meet Li Na of China or Polish qualifier Marta Domachowska.

Mirza, seeded 31st, made an excellent start by snatching an early break but the Wimbledon champion broke back and played a flawless tiebreak, winning it 7-0.

Games went with serve in the second set until 3-3 when Williams broke and she took her ace count to seven while serving out for victory.