Paris: Serena Williams survived a second-set wobble in the third round of the French Open on Saturday, but recovered her senses in time to beat Russia's Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-1 1-6 6-2.
The American world number one dropped serve immediately against her teenage opponent on a fresh morning at Roland Garros before reeling off the next six games.
Pavlyuchenkova, the 29th seed, broke serve again at the start of the second set but this time she rammed home her advantage and sped into a 5-0 lead at which point a sickly-looking Williams was checked over by the doctor.
Williams, the 2002 champion, saved two break points in the third game of the decider, one with an ace, before regaining control and she claimed victory after one hour 48 minutes when she drilled a return at the feet of Pavlyuchenkova.
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