World number one Jelena Jankovic battled through to the Australian Open third round Wednesday with a hard-fought 6-4, 7-5 win over Belgian Kirsten Flipkens. The Serb, who is on a quest for a maiden Grand Slam to go with her top ranking, received a testing workout from a player rated 110 in the world and determined to make the most of her moment on the big stage.

"It's good to have someone push you so you know what you have to work on when you step back on the practice court," Jankovic said.

There was an early hiccup when Jankovic almost went down a break in the second game but the Serb got herself out of trouble with an ace, an encouraging sign for a player previously criticised for her popgun serve. Cheered on by a noisy Serb contingent in the crowd, Jankovic broke Flipkins in the fifth game.