Melbourne  - Ana Ivanovic recovered after a second-set threat from Italian Alberta Brianti to earn a 6-3, 6-2 victory Wednesday to 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.

The Serb led the 169th-ranked Italian, 28, by a set and double break in the second, 3-0. But the challenger managed to get one break back before her form fell off to allow Ivanovic the win.

Russian 10th seed Nadia Petrova continued a comeback after illness with a defeat of India's Sania Mirza 6-3, 6-2. (dpa)