The former world number one will next play either American Shenay Perry or 28th seed Maria Kirilenko, of Russia, with Henin almost certainly lying in wait in the fourth round after gaining a 6-3 7-5 victory over Kristina Barrois, of Germany, earlier today.

Clijsters had won all four previous clashes with the Croatian in straight sets, conceding just 14 games in the process, and little has clearly changed since their last meeting in 2005.

The Belgian number one has unfinished business at Wimbledon, where her best achievement has been two semi-final appearances, and she looks in the mood to add to her US Open victory in her comeback year last August.

Sprem, who famously beat Venus Williams to reach the quarter-finals in 2004, promised to provide stern opposition but faded badly after a promising opening.

For the most part the pair traded shots from the baseline, with Clijsters pulling out the big points when it mattered.

She was forced to save three break points in her opening service game but broke her opponent in the fourth game and closed out the first set in 33 minutes.

The Croatian put her big serve to use to win a marathon opening game in the second set but she lacked the consistency of her more experienced opponent and was broken in the third game.

The end came in sight when Clijsters broke her to love in the fifth and duly wrapped up the match in one hour and 13 minutes.

"The score was a lot easier than it was to play," she said. "I had to work extremely hard but I was consistent and that was the most important thing today.

"To win Wimbledon would be a dream come true. It was such a pleasure to be part of the event here last year when they opened the roof.

"It was tempting last year when they offered me a wild card but I just wasn't quite ready."