Sixth seed Elina Svitolina let out a primal roar in relief and elation after overcoming injury and a 3-0 third-set deficit to fight her way into the Australian Open fourth round in Melbourne.
The Ukrainian required a medical time-out and several courtside massages for a shoulder complaint before defeating China's Zhang Shuai 4-6 6-4 7-5 in an epic lasting almost three hours on Saturday.
In a touching display of sportsmanship, Svitolina then fetched a Gatorade for her vanquished and spent opponent before revealing how she mustered the energy to battle back from the brink at Rod Laver Arena.
"It was very hot conditions so I was a little bit struggling. We left everything on court today," Svitolina said after finally converting her third match point.
"I just kept telling myself: 'I am going to die or going to win'.
"So it was just a mental game and I had to stay strong.
"I was fighting 'til the very last point and trying to stay out there as long as possible."
One of six players who could potentially dethrone Simona Halep as world No.1 next week, Svitolina will face either Belgian 12th seed Elise Mertens or American 17th seed Madison Keys on Monday for a place in the quarter-finals.
