The slightly-built 17th seed with only one tour title to her name was rated little chance in her third round tie against a seven-time Grand Slam winner who has already secured her place as one of the game's greats.

Asked how she achieved the upset straight sets win, Hantuchova replied: "Heart, I think.

"Just really being mentally strong and resistant and just keeping fighting for every single point and not giving up in any kind of situation, even though it was getting really difficult at the end."

The 6-1, 7-6 (7/5) victory was a landmark for the 22-year-old Slovak former world number five, who has struggled to rejoin the game's elite since she dropped from the top 10 in 2003.

"Finally I can say that I'm able to play and beat anyone and it just gives meso much confidence", she said.