Australian Open Day 7 Gallery
Published January 23, 2011 12:00
Francesca Schiavone could have served for it much earlier in the third if not for touching the net.
At 4 hours, 44 minutes, Francesca Schiavone served up the final point against Svetlana Kuznetsova.
With one last volley, Francesca Schiavone ended the longest women's Grand Slam match in the Open Era.
Francesca Schiavone and Svetlana Kuznetsova met at the net after their record-breaking encounter.
The match was also the second-longest women's match in the Open Era, at any WTA-level tournament.
Svetlana Kuznetsova finished with better numbers but Francesca Schiavone seized the critical moments.
While an epic was coming to a close on Hisense, Maria Sharapova was in trouble on Rod Laver Arena.
Maria Sharapova lost to Andrea Petkovic, 62 63, her seventh straight pre-quarterfinal exit at a major.
In the first match of the day, Caroline Wozniacki trailed early against Anastasija Sevastova, 3-1.
With her powerful, pinpoint ground game, Caroline Wozniacki battled her way back into the match.
World No.1 Caroline Wozniacki clocked a forehand en route to a 63 64 win over Anastasija Sevastova.
Anastasija Sevastova put up a good fight but fell in her first ever Grand Slam fourth round showing.
Li Na also snuck into the quarterfinals earlier in the day, dismissing Victoria Azarenka, 63 63.
Victoria Azarenka was strong but Li Na was stronger, winning for the third time in four meetings.
Li Na improved to 9-0 on the year, going 5-0 to win the title in Sydney and 4-0 so far in Melbourne.
Topics: tournaments, 2011, news, photos or videos, maria sharapova, andrea petkovic, francesca schiavone,
