Djokovic advances but sixth seed Kvitova falls on Night 3 at Australian Open

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic managed to shake off a late challenge during his second-round match at the Australian Open, while women's sixth seed Petra Kvitova was spectacularly upset in straight sets on Wednesday.

Kvitova - a two-time Wimbledon champion - joined top seeds Simona Halep (2) and Venus Williams (8) as early casualties from the women's draw, after she was demolished in straight sets by Australian world No. 39 Daria Gavrilova, 6-4, 6-4.

However, in the lead-up to the Australian Open, the Czech world No. 7 did pull out of a tournament citing sickness. It showed, as she never seemed in touch with the Australian who wrapped up the match in one hour and 29 minutes.

Meanwhile, on Rod Laver Arena, Djokovic was in control early against French wildcard Quentin Halys, but was pushed to a tiebreak in the third set.

Despite the late challenge, the five-time Australian Open champion closed out the match with class, winning 6-1, 6-2, 7-6 (5).

Following his match, the Serb praised 19-year-old Halys, telling the host broadcaster that he played beyond his years and not at all like a wildcard.

"He's new on the tour but today he definitely didn't play like it," Djokovic told the crowd after the win.

Earlier, fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska shook off a second-round test against the unseeded Eugenie Bouchard, winning 6-4, 6-2.

Bouchard, a finalist at Wimbledon and a semi-finalist in Melbourne, suffered an injury late last year which pushed her down the rankings, and Radwanska said the match was a good test moving forward in the tournament.

"There is always someone in the draw not seeded that you normally play in the second round or even first round," Radwanska said at her press conference.

"Of course, she's one of those players that should have ranking. She is very dangerous in the draw."

Local hope Nick Kyrgios also won, the enigmatic 20-year-old has booked a showdown with big serving Czech Tomas Berdych after both men managed straight sets wins.

Kyrgios said he would be drawing on past experiences to try and upset the world No. 6 on Friday.

"I've played him a couple of times. He's going to want the win as much as I'll want it. It'll be a tough match," Kyrgios said in his press conference.

Elsewhere, Chinese wildcard Han Xinyun was eliminated in straight sets by Yulia Putintseva, while 9th seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga accounted for young Australian Omar Jasika.

The second round of the Australian Open continues in Melbourne on Thursday. Endit