Day 5 of Australian Open 2019, and third match on Rod Laver Arena was:
Maria Sharapova (30) (RUS) v Caroline Wozniacki (3) (DEN)
Wozniacki opened the match and it was a long game. She led 40-15 before Sharapova hit forehand winners three times to set up break points - each time they were saved. Five deuces were visited before a service winner gave the defending champion a 1-0 start.
Sharapova was much quicker, a love game to level at 1-1.
The only winner in game three was a Sharapova forehand, but Wozniacki held serve for 2-1.
A Sharapova double fault gave Wozniacki break point which was saved. The next break chance was due to an unforced Sharapova forehand error, and another one of those presented the break to Wozniacki. 3-1.
Wozniacki consolidated, two aces helping. 4-1.
A forehand winner to start and end the next Sharapova service game. She trailed 2-4.
At 30-30, Wozniacki threw in an unforced forehand error, and a double fault to surrender her serve, her lead trimmed to 4-3.
Sharapova levelled at 4-4, losing only a single point on her serve.
Facing two break points, Wozniacki avoided one, but on the second donated a poor backhand and she lost her fourth straight game.
Sharapova led 5-4, serving for the set.
A forehand winner on third set point gave Sharapova the first set 6-4.
Disappointed at losing the opening set after leading 4-1, Wozniacki began set two with a solid hold. 1-0. Three Sharapova double faults and Wozniacki was gifted a 2-0 advantage.
The break was consolidated thanks in part to a Sharapova failed backhand. 3-0.
Sharapova registered on the scoreboard with a love game, an ace to conclude. 1-3. Then, when Wozniacki had 30-30, forehand winners gave Sharapova the break back. 2-3.
An improved backhand saw two winners for Sharapova and she held for 3–3. Wozniacki moved ahead 4-3 on serve after a game decided all on errors.
Sharapova served two aces, one to set up game point - a backhand winner levelled things at 4-4.
After Wozniacki held for 5-4, Sharapova was at 30-30, needing to hold to stay in the set. A double fault and unforced error gave the set to Wozniacki and a decider was required.
For six games, no break points were offered and it was 3-3 with Wozniacki at the line.
Sharapova attacked, and with two forehand winners, had Wozniacki down 15-40. The same forehand failed on the break points and it was deuce. Wozniacki had game point after an ace, but two mistakes gave Sharapova another break chance which she grabbed with a winning forehand for 4-3.
A love game, ended with two forehand winners, and Sharapova was one game away from the win. 5-3.
Wozniacki double faulted at 30-30, but the match point was saved with a Sharapova mistake. Two forced Wozniacki backhand errors later and Maria Sharapova was into the round of sixteen.
She won 6-4 4-6 6-3 in a high quality match, defeating the defending champion.
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