Despite an injury near the end of the second set Serena Williams battled to win a three set victory over Daniela Hantuchova; 6-2 6-7 (2-7) 6-2, in the fourth round at Wimbledon on Monday.
The American won the first set easily, beating the Slovakian Hantuchova 6-2, and then leveled the second set 5-5 having been down 5-2.
Serena had shown no sign of an injury for the duration of the match, but at 6-2 down in the tie break her calf appeared to lock and she fell to the ground screaming in pain, her trainer running onto the pitch to apply ice to the injury.
Hantuchova did not make the most of her opportunity, putting several balls into the net or out of court, and she led by only a slender margin when the weather stopped play.
Williams received more treatment and heavy strapping during the two hour break in play, but lost the second set tie-break when play resumed.
But Hantuchova again failed to take advantage of William’s injury as Serena went for big serves and winners at every opportunity, eventually defeating Hantuchova in an exhilarating third set.
Talking to the BBC after the match Hantuchova blamed herself for the defeat; "I think I lost it. I had my chances. Maybe if I would have kept the ball in play a little longer, had been a little more patient, it could have been different."
"It's so hard to play against somebody that you know is struggling, and you kind of feel sorry. At the same time you have to be tough and still play your game."