Australian Open: Sixth seed Pliskova battles into last 16

The Czech, looking to win her first Grand Slam, came through the tight match against her 29th seeded compatriot 7-6 (8/6), 7-5 in 1hr 37mins.

Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic makes a forehand return to compatriot Lucie Safarova during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championships | Photo: AP

MELBOURNE: Karolina Pliskova outmuscled fellow Czech Lucie Safarova to make the Australian Open fourth round on Saturday in a testing two-set encounter.

The tattooed sixth seed, looking to win her first Grand Slam, came through the tight match on Margaret Court Arena against her 29th seeded compatriot 7-6 (8/6), 7-5 in 1hr 37mins.

"It was a tough match, it always is against Lucie," said Pliskova, who made the quarter-finals last year.

"I'm happy I held my serve in the last game, It's a good sign because my serve is the most important key for me."

She will next play either American Bernarda Pera or another Czech Barbora Strycova who clash later.