Wozniacki passes Barty test, Pliskova and Sharapova advance

MADRID: World number two Caroline Wozniacki survived a scare from Ashleigh Barty on Monday, edging the Australian 6-2 4-6 6-4 to reach the last-16 of the Madrid Open. Wozniacki found herself on the brink of defeat as she trailed 4-2 in the final set, but the Dane roared back to claim the last four games and seal the victory.

The 22-year-old Barty was ultimately let down by her groundstrokes in crucial stages of decider as she finished with 54 unforced errors for the match. Wozniacki will next face former French Open semifinalist Kiki Bertens, who stunned 15th seed Anastasija Sevastova 6-1 6-4 in the second round. “It’ll be another tough match,” said Wozniacki. “She’s a big server with a big forehand. She loves the clay.

“I haven’t had an easy draw here, but I don’t think anyone has. It’s just about going for it again. That’s all I can do, is go out there and do my best.

“I think it’s definitely a surface that I think evens out a lot of the playing field. I think there’s more people that have an opportunity here on this surface.”

Karolina Pliskova, meanwhile, held off former world number one Victoria Azarenka 6-2 1-6 7-5 to set up a third round clash with US Open champion Sloane Stephens.

Belarusian veteran Azarenka was featuring in her first tournament on clay for two years and came from 3-0 down to level in the final set against Pliskova.

However the Czech broke serve in the 11th game to win a tense battle. Another former world number one, Maria Sharapova, continued her revival on clay as she overcame a tense opening set to beat Romania’s Irina-camelia Begu 7-5 6-1.

The 31-year-old Russian, who entered the tournament on the back of four consecutive defeats, rallied from 3-1 down before snatching the opening set with a ferocious forehand.