Maria Sharapova has sealed her place in the third round of the Australian Open with a 6-3 4-6 10-8 victory over Karin Knapp.

It was the Italian who drew first blood in the third game for a 2-1 lead, but the Russian responded with back-to-back breaks before serving out for a one-set lead.

Sharapova broke first in the second, but this time it was Knapp who offered an immediate response, before breaking decisively at 5-4 to level at one set apiece.

Holding serve became a rarity in the deciding set, but it was the world number three who created three match points on serve at 5-5.

However, she could not convert, allowing Knapp to get back on serve.

After three hours and 28 minutes in searing temperatures, Sharapova brought up a fourth match point at 9-8.

This time she was able to see it through, setting up a meeting with Alize Cornet for a place in the fourth round.