Stephens focused on Melbourne resurgence

MELBOURNE - Fifth seed Sloane Stephens said she was desperate to improve her "terrible" Australian Open record after advancing to the third round at Melbourne Park on Wednesday.

The American has endured a dismal run since reaching the semifinal in 2013, exiting in the first round in 2015, 2016 and 2018 and missing 2017 with a foot injury.

But she was hopeful her fortunes are improving after posting a 6-3, 6-1 second-round win over former doubles partner Timea Babos of Hungary.