Third-seed Muguruza wobbles into Australian Open third round

Young Spanish star Garbine Mugaruza has wobbled her way past Belgian veteran Kirsten Flipkens, keeping her push for a maiden Grand Slam title on track.

Mugaruza, the women's tour's hottest young star, did encounter a few speed bumps during the second-round fixture, before prevailing 6-4, 6-2 in an hour and 19 minutes on Rod Laver Arena (RLA).

The Spanish third-seed wasn't exactly flawless, hitting 29 unforced errors in two sets. But, overall, was satisfied to get through a "complicated" match without dropping a set.

"I'm extremely happy because Kirsten is a very difficult opponent who has a unique game," Muguruza, runner-up to Serena Williams at the 2015 Wimbledon Championships, said postmatch on Thursday.

"Every match is very tough and I am just happy to be here."

Despite some wayward shot-making, Muguruza was still able to thrash 23 winners past her more senior opponent.

The 22-year-old is the highest ranked player left on her side of the draw, after second-seed Simona Halep crashed out in the first round on Tuesday.

Should the Barcelona-based youngster not slip up against Czech Barbora Strycova in the third round, she will face dual Australian Open-winner Victoria Azarenka in the round of 16.

The 16th-seed Azarenka has only given up three games in her first two matches at the Australian Open, winning 6-1, 6-2 against Danka Kovinic of Montenegro earlier on Thursday. Endit