Maria Sharapova is into the quarterfinals at Melbourne Park after being pushed to the limit by Swiss teen Belinda Bencic, eventually posting a 7-5 7-5 victory. It was a powerful and focused performance from the Russian No.5 seed, who took advantage of the pristine conditions under the Rod Laver Arena roof – her third consecutive match indoors – to belt 58 winners and 21 aces. Take nothing away from her precociously talented opponent though, who not only withstood the barrage but dished out plenty of her own, taking it right up to the vastly more experienced Sharapova on every available occasion. It was this intense pressure from the youngster that had Sharapova on the back foot at many crucial moments – she was only able to convert 4/16 break points for the match. The Russian was out to make a statement early, setting up break points in the first two Bencic service games, but the No.12 seed hung tough, and after a double fault and a simple error from Sharapova, it was the Swiss who was first to draw blood, breaking Sharapova against the run of play. However – with the returning from both players a standout – it was followed by a run of four consecutive breaks. As the match steadied, Sharapova’s experience gave her the edge when she needed it, plucking the first set from Bencic’s grasp after forcing a crucial error from the 18-year-old’s racquet as she served to force the tiebreaker. With an incredible amount of pressure mounting up behind their serves in the second set, it was still Sharapova who was creating the most opportunities, but Bencic showed maturity well beyond her years to stick with her opponent as the score line once again reached 5-6 in the Russian’s favor. Serving to stay in the match, a long wait to see a challenge ultimately proved the youngster’s undoing, as she faltered and gave up a match point. A tight Sharapova was unable to capitalise though, dumping a backhand into the bottom of the net. A second match point came shortly after, and a Sharapova return that whipped past Bencic was called out. A challenge from Maria was successful though and, as a forlorn Bencic looked hopefully at the umpire for a replay of the point, the match was over. A replay of the 2015 final now looms when Sharapova faces No.1 seed Serena Williams in the quarters.

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