Serena Williams vs. Kristina Mladenovic: Score and Reaction for 2016 French Open

Serena Williams survived a tough challenge from home favourite Kristina Mladenovic to advance to the round of 16 of the 2016 French Open, winning 6-4, 7-6 (10) in a match that was suspended for a while due to a rain delay.

The world No. 1 was far from her best on Saturday, and the difficult weather conditions didn’t help matters. Williams shifted gears at key times, however, taking the win after a long tiebreak. She’ll meet Elina Svitolina in the next round.

Williams didn’t start the match well, as Mladenovic appeared more at ease in the rallies and comfortably held her ground from the baseline. The home favourite used the entire court well, playing plenty of drop shots.

It led to a handful of spectacular back-and-forths, including this remarkable rally in the eighth game of the first set, per Roland Garros’ official Twitter account:

(Very Very) Hot Shot de Kristina Mladenovic contre Serena Williams ! ???????????? #RG16 https://t.co/r8ZLJJ1IFd

— Roland Garros (@rolandgarros) May 28, 2016

Williams moved well, though, and showed her wealth of experience by saving three break points in the following game before grabbing the game with two excellent serves.

The first break of the match followed in the next game, handing Williams the set. Ben Rothenberg of the New York Times thought Williams stepped up her game when she had to:

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