Former World No.1 Ana Ivanovic takes on Netherlands Michaella Krajicek for a place in the third round of the 2012 Australian Open, season's first Grand Slam event being played here in Melbourne, Australia.

Ana Ivanovic has had her share of inconsistencies from being World No.1 to dropping out of top 30 and struggling in a title drought that stretched to almost two years. The good times came back in the WTA star's life though when she picked up three titles in a span of 15 months to ensure her solid presence in the competitive arena. In the previous round here in Melbourne, Ivanovic scored a comprehensive victory over Lourdes Dominguezlino.

Ivanovic's opponent, Dutchwoman Michaella Krajicek is currently ranked No.91 in the world and boasts of 3 WTA singles titles which she won in Hobart, 's-Hertogenbosch and Tashkent. Krajicek defeated Kristina Barrois in the first round here in Melbourne.

Both players have contested two matches before and the head-to-head is tied at 1-1 with Ivanovic emerging victorious in Linz, back in 2006.

Ivanovic definitely is a favourite going into the match by the virtue of her title run in Bali and some solid preparation ahead of the Open this year in cities like Brisbane and Sydney.

TennisEarth.com's Pick - Ana Ivanovic in straight sets.