Simona Halep is into the third round of the Australian Open 2019 after battling past Sofia Kenin at the Rod Laver Arena.
The world number one looked on course for a routine with after securing early breaks in both sets but American youngster Kenin won a second-set tiebreak and broke in the third to flip the match on its head.
However, underlining the seeding, Halep replied by winning four games on the spin to reach the third round after an almighty scare.
Kenin, just 20 years old, will be buoyed, if not a little disappointed by the result, with some stunning groundstrokes and fierce serves.
Having trailed by a set and 3-0, Kenin turned things around, winning the second and opening up a 4-2 lead in the third, but Halep fought back to win the match 6-3 6-7 (5) 6-4.
It does not get any easier for the Romanian, who next faces Venus Williams. The American also came through a three-setter, defeating France's Alize Cornet 6-3 4-6 6-0.
Additional reporting by Press Association.
