The pair beat the previous record of a 4hr 19min encounter between Barbora Zahlavova Strycova and Regina Kulikova in the same tournament last year.

BBC: Schiavone wins record women's tie against Kuznetsova

The Russian, who had a bye in the first round as did all the top eight seeds, will face compatriot Regina Kulikova in the last 16.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Eighth seed Victoria Azarenka was in excellent form in a 6-4 6-4 victory over Andrea Hlavackova of the Czech Republic and her next opponent will be South Africa's Chanelle Scheepers , who beat Russian Regina Kulikova 6-4 4-6 7-5.

BBC: Australian Open: Venus Williams labours to victory