Serena Williams survived the longest match of her career to reach the third round of the Madrid Open on Monday. Serena lost the first set and also saved a match point in the second set before eventually seeing off Vera Dushevina 6-7 (2), 7-6 (5), 7-6 (5) in three hours and 26 minutes!

"I think I played seven matches today," she said. "I definitely wasn't playing my best tennis, but after playing for that long, I didn't want to lose. After three hours out there, I thought I had better win."

There were occasions when Serena let out screams of self-encouragement. "I was trying to get myself going," she said. "I need energy and emotion. Letting (it) out helps me get energized."

Serena, who lost to Jelena Jankovic in Rome last week despite holding match point at 5-4 in the deciding set, said: "I felt bad about the last time when I had match point. I had to hang in there because I need more matches under my belt ."

Looking ahead to the rest of the tournament at La Caja Magica, Serena added: "I just plan to play better. I was a little off today, but it's all about looking to the future."


(source: The Associated Press)

Serena Williams survives longest match of her career at Madrid Open