MELBOURNE, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- World No. 2 Iga Swiatek's hunt for an elusive Australian Open title gained steam on Thursday after a crushing straight-sets victory over Marie Bouzkova in the second round.
Opening the night session at John Cain Arena, Swiatek hit 31 winners in her commanding 6-2, 6-3 win in one hour and 19 minutes.
It was a significantly improved performance for the six-time grand slam champion, who had battled past Chinese qualifier Yuan Yue in a gruelling first round match.
"It felt great playing today, I felt much more free than in the first round. I wanted to go for it," said Swiatek, with Bouzkova limited to just three winners.
Swiatek was untroubled as she claimed the first set in 38 minutes before Bouzkova, the world No. 44, provided some resistance but it was not nearly enough.
The Pole will next play Anna Kalinskaya in the third round. ■
