Ash Barty has begun the Australian Open in ruthless fashion, dropping just one game in her first-round thrashing of Lesia Tsurenko on Rod Laver Arena.
Barty triumphed 6-0, 6-1 in just 54 minutes to move a step towards a potential fourth-round blockbuster against defending champion Naomi Osaka.
Adding intrigue to their side of their draw was the exit of 2020 champion Sofia Kenin, with the 11th seed falling to her in-form fellow American Madison Keys 7-6 (7-2), 7-5 during the evening session.
While Barty safely moved through to the second round, her countrywoman Ajla Tomljanovic departed the tournament following a straight-sets loss to Spanish eighth seed Paula Badosa.
The 43rd-ranked Tomljanovic — who faced Barty in the Wimbledon quarter-finals last year — lost 6-4, 6-0 in what was a late finish on Margaret Court Arena.
Tsurenko has proven to be a difficult opponent for Barty in the past, having given the women's world number one a fright when they last met in the first round at Melbourne Park two years ago.
Barty won in three sets on that occasion, but she had no trouble subduing her opponent this time around to advance to the second round in style.
The Wimbledon champion is satisfied with her performance, as she continues her quest to be the first Australian winner of women's singles title since 1978.
"I felt like I was able to find my forehands and control the court with my forehand," Barty said in her courtside interview.
"I felt like, tonight, it was nice and solid to get out here and play a decent match and feel like I enjoyed it. That's the most important thing."
Barty entered the match on the back of winning form after claiming the Adelaide International title earlier this month.
She sent down five aces and did not concede a double fault against Tsurenko, who was forced to qualify for the main draw after slipping to 119 on the WTA rankings.
Tsurenko has been ranked as high as 23 in the world but was simply outclassed by Barty, highlighted by the fact she gave up five service breaks to the top seed.
Barty asserted her dominance early in the match, winning her opening service game and then breaking Tsurenko's serve for a 2-0 lead in the first set.
The Australian's sharp volleying and intelligent use of her backhand slice created headaches for Tsurenko, although the Ukrainian did earn two break points in the third game.
Barty maintained her composure, however, and eventually held serve, before securing a second break in the fourth game to leave Tsurenko staring at the prospect of a first-set 'bagel'.
Tsurenko could not avoid her fate and Barty won the first set without dropping a game in 24 minutes.
The second set played out in much the same manner, with Barty rushing to a 5-0 lead.
She had two match points but was unable to capitalise on either, as Tsurenko held for the first and only time of the match.
It only delayed the inevitable, however, with Barty serving out the match in the following game.
