Awesome Andreeva powers through another tough test against Sakkari as title ambitions ramp up

Mirra Andreeva is continuing to boost her title credentials with another phenomenal performance against the world number three Maria Sakkari. The 18-year-old swept her aside 6-0, 6-4 in what was another tremendous performance to see her advance into the third round at the Australian Open.

After turning on the afterburners against Donna Vekic in her opening tie, Andreeva was flying high. She had won a title in the Adelaide International with a comprehensive win over Victoria Mboko, and is looking like she is in the same rich vein of form that she enjoyed just under a year ago when she clinched a brace of WTA 1000 titles.

Her serving was not at the highest standard, with her winning 64% of first serves, but that was compared to the 41% of Sakkari, her ultimate downfall with Andreeva having a field day on her opponent's serve, which was a huge part in Andreeva going on to cement her spot in the third round.

Andreeva was not waiting around in the early stages, sprinting out into a 0-40 lead. Sakkari clawed two of the points back but was unable to get the job completely done as Andreeva clinched an important break. It was not the first. She once again lept into a 0-40 lead, this time breaking to love.

In another reality, the Russian wins the first set without losing a point on her opponents serve. This was not the case despite being in that position on three separate occasions. Just before making it 5-0, she had to defend a trio of break points from Sakkari who was looking for a pathway back into the match. They were not taken as Andreeva went on to lead 5-0 before confirming a 6-0 first set win.

Including her prior match, this was 13 consecutive games won by the Russian, and it was about to go to 15 with another break to commence proceedings in the second set. This time the Greek number one fought back but could not prevent Andreeva a barrage of world class tennis which was almost impossible to resist.

The relentless form of Andreeva would somewhat be halted, as would the teenager's game winning streak. From nothing, Sakkari found a break of her own as she went into a 3-2 lead with 12 points won on the trot, with the match finally back on serve. For a while, both players had some pleasure serving but Andreeva once again turned up the heat at the end of the set, clinically breaking to go 5-4 in front before seeing out the match with ease.

The match which lasted 67 minutes was another exhibition in the talent of Andreeva, who will be looking to continue her brilliant form further into the main draw. Up next, Romanian's Elena-Gabriela Ruse.