Sharapova hot under collar after tough battle

Maria Sharapova demanded more clarity from organizers on their heat policy on Thursday after surviving a brutal three-hour marathon in scorching conditions at the Australian Open.

The third seed battled through a third set lasting nearly two hours to overcome Karin Knapp 6-3, 4-6, 10-8 in temperatures above 40 C.

The conditions were so tough that organizers suspended play at the tournament midway through the third set. However, under tournament rules, Sharapova and Knapp had to finish the set before coming off.