MELBOURNE, Australia (AP)—Maria Sharapova advanced to the fourth round of the Australian Open, beating Julia Goerges of Germany 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 on Friday.
Sharapova had an erratic day with her serve, hitting seven aces but mixing that with 11 double-faults. The most important ace came on match point.
The 2008 Australian Open champion, Sharapova will play the winner of Friday night’s match between Venus Williams and Andrea Petkovic in the fourth round.
Sharapova missed the 2009 Australian Open due to injury and was ousted in the first round last year.