Eugenie Bouchard proves too strong for Anna-Lena Friedsam

Eugenie Bouchard has eased into the second round of the Australian Open with a 6-2 6-4 straight-sets victory over Anna-Lena Friedsam in Melbourne this morning.

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The world number seven, who is looking to improve on her semi-final finish in this tournament 12 months ago, had a battle on her hand in the opening games of the contest, although two losses of serve from her opponent ensured that there was to be no slip-up in the first set.

Friedsam lost serve once more in the opening game of the second set, but 2014's most improved player could not capitalise fully to open up a lead, losing her own service game in the second to see things levelled up.

Bouchard had to dig deep to shake off the German pro with the set level at 4-4, earning a break of serve in the ninth game to eventually ease to a 6-4 triumph to advance through.

The Canadian will now face either Kiki Bertens or Daria Gavrilova in the second round later this week.