KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. — Weary winner Venus Williams stood near the net swatting souvenir balls to cheering fans, but a marathon match had taken its toll, and one of her attempts didn’t even reach the stands.

Williams had already expended all her energy, erasing a match point and outlasting Aleksandra Wozniak 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5) in Sunday’s third round at the Sony Ericsson Open.

Her career comeback now includes a come-from-behind win. Williams is playing in her first tournament since withdrawing from the U.S. Open last August after being diagnosed with a fatigue-causing autoimmune disease.

Other winners included Rafael Nadal, bidding for his first Key Biscayne title, and two-time champion Victoria Azarenka. American John Isner was eliminated.

Wozniak served for the match at 5-4 in the final set, but dumped a forehand in the net when she had a match point.