21 Jun 2011

Schiavone survies early scare

7:57 am on 21 June 2011

Australia's Jelena Dokic lost an enthralling three-set match against sixth seed and losing French Open finalist Francesca Schiavone in the opening round of the Wimbledon tennis tournament.

The crafty Italian clawed her way to a 6-4 1-6 6-3 victory in just over two hours with the match completed under the centre court roof following afternoon showers.

The game was suspended for about 50 minutes in the third set to allow the roof to close while play stopped outside.

Dokic's exit leaves four Australian women still alive in singles at Wimbledon.