Kecmanovic kicked off his Open run in 2022 when he was supposed to play then-world No.1 and nine-time champion Novak Djokovic in the first round at Melbourne Park, only for his countryman to be famously deported on the eve of the tournament.
Djokovic's place in the main draw was taken by Italian qualifying lucky loser Salvatore Caruso, who Kecmanovic downed, describing it as a "second chance".
He kept his Open charge running, reaching the fourth round, which remains his best ever grand slam showing.
Kecmanovic backed it up again last year before losing to Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz in the round of 16.
This time, the world No.51 swept past Polish 18th seed Hubert Hurkacz 6-4 6-4 6-2 in early action on Thursday to book his place in the third round.
A former Wimbledon semi-finalist, Hurkacz was looking to improve on last year's Open quarter-final berth.
Kecmanovic, a former junior world No.1, will meet the winner of the clash between Matteo Berrettini and Danish 13th seed Holger Rune.
In other results, 31st seed Francisco Cerundolo advanced when Argentine compatriot Facundo Diaz Acosta withdrew while trailing 6-3 1-0.
Cerundolo is likely to face hot-footed Australian No.1 Alex De Minaur, who is taking on grand slam debutant Tristan Boyer in the second round.
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