Defending champion Novak Djokovic hit top gear in a sparkling Australian Open performance on Wednesday as former winners Roger Federer and Marat Safin set up the clash of the third round. Taiwan’s Lu Yen-Hsun produced the biggest shock so far in ousting 10th seed David Nalbandian while America’s Andy Roddick made unexpectedly slow progress past 195th-ranked Xavier Malisse.

Sania Mirza’s run in the Australian Open singles was cut short by the Russian 10th seed Nadia Petrova who outclassed the Indian 6-3, 6-2, here Wednesday.

MELBOURNE: Taiwan’s Lu Yen-hsun shocked 10th seed David Nalbandian while Japanese veteran Ai Sugiyama set up a glamour tie with Jelena Jankovic on a sparkling day for Asia at the Australian Open yesterday.

But Indian icon Sania Mirza crashed out, losing 6-3, 6-2 to Russian 10th seed Nadia Petrova in only her second match back since being sidelined with a crippling wrist injury six months ago.

Sania Mirza is ranked outside the top 100 in the world, but even the best on the circuit know that the Indian is no pushover.

Sania’s second round match against Russian 10th seed Nadia Petrova on Wednesday at the Australian Open promises to be a thriller.

I must admit it was a relief to see Sania Mirza not only back in action, but back in contention and actually proving a point. I can say without any doubt that, yes, our champ is back to her old self.