Petra Kvitova reaches round three with win over Mona Barthel

Petra Kvitova has earned a spot in the third round of the Australian Open for the first time since 2012 after beating Mona Barthel 6-2 6-4.

© Getty Images

Barthel saved two break points in the opening game, but she was unable to hold back Kvitova, who quickly moved two breaks ahead inside five games.

Kvitova rarely looked troubled on her own serve, and the fourth seed cruised to success in the first set inside 30 minutes.

Openings for the two-time Wimbledon champion were more difficult to come by in the second set as Barthel regained her composure on serve and started to match her opponent from the back of the court.

© Getty Images

Kvitova struggled to produce the same form she showed in the opener, but Barthel was unable to capitalise in a remarkable sixth game as the German wasted five break points from nine deuces.

A break in the ninth game proved to be the turning point as Kvitova took control before serving out to secure her progress.