Ash Barty earns Australian Open semifinal berth with straight-sets win over Jessica Pegula

Madison Keys is all that stands in the way of Ash Barty and an appearance in the women's Australian Open final, with the world number one comfortably advancing to the last four.

Barty's focus never wavered against American 21st seed Jessica Pegula on Rod Laver Arena, as she wrapped up the clinical 6-2, 6-0 quarterfinal win in just an hour and three minutes.

She is yet to drop a set in her pursuit of the Australian Open women's singles crown, which a local has not won in 44 years.

Chris O'Neil was the last Australian to lift the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup in 1978.

Barty will meet Keys in Thursday's semifinal.

American Keys defeated Czech fourth seed and French Open champion Barbora Krejčíková 6-3, 6-2 in their quarterfinal earlier on Tuesday.

More to come.