Hometown hope Stosur advances

Melbourne - Sam Stosur is through to the third round of her home Grand Slam for the first time in three years after a 6-2, 6-0 win over Tsvetana Pironkova of Bulgaria at the Australian Open on Wednesday.

Playing at Rod Laver Arena and before a partisan crowd that she admits she's found daunting in the past, the 2011 US Open champion was dominant throughout to advance to a third-round match Friday against the winner of the later match between Ana Ivanovic and Annika Beck.

Stosur lost in the second round last year and the first round in 2012. She has never advanced past the fourth round in 11 previous attempts at Melbourne Park.