Melbourne - Ana Ivanovic recovered after a brief second-set threat from Italian Alberta Brianti to earn a 6-3, 6-2 victory Wednesday and reach the third round of the Australian Open.
The Serb fifth seed, who won the French Open last year and briefly touched number one, remains just outside the discussion for the top spot by the end of the season's first major.
But her performance gave hope that she is preparing to climb back up the standings.