US Open 2017: Maria Sharapova digs deep to beat Timea Babos in three sets

ByMichael Hincks

Updated 31/08/2017 at 02:59 GMT

Maria Sharapova recovered from a set down to beat Timea Babos 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 6-1 in the second round of the US Open.

The Russian was looking to build on Monday’s impressive victory over second seed Simona Halep, but she found herself embroiled in a battle after going a set down.

Highlights: Sharapova sees off Babos to extend New York stay

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However, Sharapova fought back in a nervy second set before racing through the decider in 28 minutes.

Sofia Kenin awaits Sharapova in the third round, after she beat fellow American Sachia Vickery 6-3 4-6 7-6(0) on Court 10.

‘Just whisper it – can Sharapova produce something very special?’

The 2006 US Open champion dropped serve immediately, but with unforced errors flying off both racquets, the opening set headed to a tie-break after three breaks apiece.

It was world number 59 Babos who stole ahead in the breaker, and she took it 7-4 thanks to two Sharapova errors after more than an hour on court.

Sharapova bounced back to break Babos straight away in the second, but the Hungarian responded to level the set at 2-2.

A marathon sixth game saw Babos squander two break points, and after Sharapova battled to hold serve after five deuces, she made her opponent pay with a break in the following game.

The five-time Grand Slam winner clinched the set with a hold to love, and she carried on that momentum to go a break up early in the third.

Sharapova was simply too strong from that point on, and she broke Babos twice more to complete the victory in two hours and 21 minutes.

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