Meanwhile, Martinez Sanchez, who knocked out both Jelena Jankovic and Caroline Wozniacki on her way to a shock success in last month's Rome Masters, slumped 6-2 6-4 to Uzbekistan's world 97 Akgul Amanmuradova.

CNN: Kuznetsova through after shaky start

Roberta Vinci has never been beyond the third round in Melbourne but the No. 16 from Italy will have a chance to address that against Russia's Elena Vesnina after recording a 6-3 6-2 victory over Akgul Amanmuradova of Uzbekistan.

CNN: January 17, 2013 -- Updated 1650 GMT (0050 HKT)