MELBOURNE - World number one Caroline Wozniacki kept the wolves at bay by thrashing American Vania King 6-1 6-0 to reach the third round of the Australian Open on Wednesday.

Under intense scrutiny at the year's first grand slam in Melbourne, her first appearance in a major since claiming the number one ranking, the Dane blasted through the first set in 28 minutes.

Wozniacki, who reached number one without winning a grand slam, produced some astonishing defensive tennis to break for 2-0 in the second, lunging to retrieve three volleys before smacking a backhand crosscourt winner.

She made it 4-0 with a sharp volley and completed a display of real authority with a sizzling return King could only twang wide to win in 58 minutes.