Sharapova relieved after victory having faced two match points

IANS
Maria Sharapova
Maria Sharapova in action against Alexandra Panova

Melbourne, January 21 (IANS)

Russian tennis ace Maria Sharapova on Wednesday said she was dwelling too much on her mistakes instead of playing positively which led to her being stretched against Russian Alexandra Panova in the second round of the Australian Open.

World No.2 Sharapova survived the scare to clinch the encounter 6-1, 4-6, 7-5 at the Melbourne Park here.

“I think I was dwelling too much on my mistakes, what I was doing wrong, not really being in the present, something that I'm really usually good at,” Sharapova was quoted as saying by news.com.au.

Asked whether she felt relieved after the let off, Sharapova said, “Well, certainly, after being a point away from going out.”

The 27-year-old also added she felt nice after overcoming such a tough challenge and has taken positives out of the encounter.

“At the end of the day it's always nice to come through a challenge like that. That's the biggest positive out of the match.”