Ash Barty has continued her red-hot start to the summer by marching into the Australian Open semi-finals at Melbourne Park.

The world No.1 is still yet to drop a set at the year’s first grand slam after seeing off 21st seed Jessica Pegula 6-2, 6-0 in just over an hour on Monday night.

« That was solid tonight. I had a lot of fun out here, I was able to serve and find a lot of forehands in the centre of the court and I was happy to take the game on, » Barty said in her on-court interview.

Hoping to break the host country’s 44-year Open singles title drought, Barty will play another American, former US Open runner-up Madison Keys, on Thursday for a place in the final.

Barty previously reached the last four two in Melbourne years ago, losing to eventual champion Sofia Kenin, and is hopeful of going further this time.

« I’ve grown as a person, I’ve grown as a player, » Barty said. « I feel like I’m a more complete tennis player.

« I’m absolutely loving playing out here. It’s been a lot of fun so far and hopefully there’s a little bit more left. »