Lindsay Davenport was forced to overcome a brave challenge from Karolina Sprem before moving through to the third round of the Australian Open in Melbourne today.
The number one seed was pushed throughout the encounter by the Croatian before triumphing 7-6 (7/4) 6-3 in just under 90 minutes.
Davenport took the upper hand early in the match when she broke Sprem's second service game but the Croatian hit back, breaking the American's next service game with ease.
Both players then held their service games comfortably as the first set came down to a tie-breaker. Davenport's experience came to the fore and she eased ahead.
Sprem continued to battle in the second set but Davenport got a service break in the sixth game and victory followed shortly after.
Defending champion Serena Williams also turned on a power-packed display to defeat France's Camille Pin 6-3 6-1 in just 49 minutes.
