Serena Williams overturns one-set deficit

Serena Williams battled back from a one-set deficit to advance through to round three of the Rome Open at the expense of Nadia Petrova this afternoon.

It looked as though former world number one Williams was heading for a round two exit when Petrova claimed the opening set 6-4.

However, the American responded by dropping just five games on her way to winning the next two sets 6-2 6-3 and wrapping up the victory.

Williams will now face Anabel Medina tomorrow for the right to advance through to the quarter-finals.