It's the second round clash with the singles final feel.

Rarely has a day three match at the Australian Open been as eagerly anticipated as tonight's showdown between former world No.1s Maria Sharapova and Lindsay Davenport on Rod Laver Arena.

Glamour girl Sharapova clashes with new mum Davenport, who has wowed the tennis world with her sparkling return to the sport just seven months after giving birth to son Jagger.

Davenport, the Australian Open champion in 2000, has won 19 of her 20 matches since resuming - the latest a tough three-set first round win over Italian Sara Errani on Monday.

But Russian Sharapova, a beaten finalist in last year's women's singles final, is by far the toughest opponent Davenport has faced since her return, setting up an intriguing contest.

Women's top seed Justine Henin opens proceedings on Rod Laver Arena this morning against Russia's Olga Poutchkova in their second round match.

Defending women's champion Serena Williams, the seventh seed, plays China's Meng Yuan on Vodafone Arena.

Other seeds in action today include men's stars Rafael Nadal and Andy Roddick, who both impressed in their first round wins on Monday.

Nadal takes on Frenchman Florent Serra, while Roddick plays German Michael Berrer and both big names are expected to have little trouble advancing to the third round.

Australian surprise packets Jess Moore and Casey Dellacqua are also involved in second round matches.

Moore plays 17th seed Shahar Peer of Israel on Margaret Court Arena, while Dellacqua plays experienced 15th seed Patty Schnyder of Switzerland in the opening match on Vodafone Arena.

And Aussie Alicia Molik, impressive in a straight sets first round win on Monday, takes on a tricky assignment against 12th seed Nicole Vaidisova of the Czech Republic.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP