Kim Clijsters has claimed a place in the fourth round of the Australian Open following a 6-3 6-2 win over Daniela Hantuchova.

The reigning champion continued her defence in the Hisense Arena against the world number 24 but neither competitor could find their first break in the initial stages of the opening set.

Eventually Clijsters began to take control of the contest and nab the first break of serve, which gave her the advantage and led her to claim the first set in Melbourne.

The Belgian world number 16 continued her dominance by breaking the serve of the 20th seed in the early games of the second set.

While the Slovak pro secured her first break of the match and tried to launch a comeback, Clijsters was too much for the 28-year-old and booked her place in the fourth round of the tournament.