Ash Barty moves through to Australian Open quarterfinals with straight-sets win over Amanda Anisimova

Ash Barty has marched into the Australian Open quarterfinals for the fourth straight year after dispensing of American Amanda Anisimova in straight sets.

Despite conceding her first service break of the tournament, Barty endured few nervous moments as she completed a 6-4, 6-3 triumph on Rod Laver Arena.

The world number one will play another American, 21st seed Jessica Pegula, in the quarterfinals as she continues her quest to become the first Australian to win the women's singles title in 44 years.

Barty lost in the quarterfinals last year and in 2019, while she was a semifinalist in 2020.

Pegula reached the last eight for the second consecutive year after defeating Greek fifth seed Maria Sakkari 7-6 (7-0), 6-3 earlier on Sunday.

Barty won her only previous match against Pegula on her way to winning the 2019 French Open championship.

She said she would not treat Pegula lightly on Tuesday.

«Jess was on fire today, really able to really control the baseline,» Barty said in her on-court interview.

«She was able to put Maria under the pump, take balls line, stay on top, stay in centre of the court and control it.

»I think she did a really good job of fighting out some tough games, so it will be another awesome match-up."

Barty had barely been troubled in her opening three matches at Melbourne Park, but Anisimova promised to be a difficult match-up.

Anisimova belied her current ranking of 60 when she eliminated defending champion Naomi Osaka from the tournament in the third round.

Barty was also mindful of the challenge she faced from Anisimova when she needed three sets to defeat her during her successful French Open campaign.

Both Barty and Anisimova saved break points early in the first set, but the Australian turned up the pressure