PARIS — Serena Williams's survival instincts dug her out of trouble against a familiar foe on Saturday after Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray slapped down pesky Australian upstarts on day seven of the French Open.
With the sun sinking behind Court Philippe Chatrier, world number one Williams swaggered out to face Victoria Azarenka of Belarus -- a heavyweight clash befitting a final.
Only a place in the last 16 was at stake this time, however, and it looked as though double Australian Open champion Azarenka, seeded 27 as she journeys back to the top after foot surgery, would be back for the second week.