Focused Krejcikova closes in on rare Open title double

Barbora Krejcikova is relishing her busy program at Melbourne Park. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)

Australian golden girl Storm Hunter isn't the only tennis ace being hounded about juggling singles and doubles duties.

Czech star Barbora Krejcikova is doing just fine in both pursuits while also growing a little tired of all the grillings as she strives to reach the Australian Open singles semi-finals for the first time.

The 2021 French Open winner faces defending Melbourne Park champion Aryna Sabalenka on Tuesday not only fancying her chances but also feeling firmly on track to complete another rare grand slam double.

Krejcikova is three wins away from capturing the Open women's doubles title with German Laura Siegemund after the pair moved into the quarter-finals with a 6-4 6-0 victory over Emma Navarro and Diana Shnaider on Monday.

In a twist of fate, Krejcikova and Siegemund will play Hunter - the top-ranked women's doubles exponent - and Katerina Siniakova next for a semi-final spot.

Hunter beat Siegemund en route to the third round of the Open for the first time last week before falling in three sets to Krejcikova, who has also edged to within three wins of claiming the singles crown in Melbourne.

Krejcikova pulled off the double act at Roland Garros three years ago and doesn't understand all the fuss about competing in both formats at the majors.

After all, the 28-year-old has already amassed nine grand slam women's doubles titles, completed the career slam, captured an Olympic gold medal and three majors in mixed, all while being a fixture in the world singles top 10.

"I got to the top of tennis because I was playing doubles. I feel that it's just part of my game, it's just part of me," Krejcikova said when asked why she hadn't followed Sabalenka's lead in ditching doubles to focus on singles.

"Sometimes I get these questions and I'm getting asked this a lot. The way it is right now, I'm very happy with that and I'm enjoying that."

Despite trailing Sabalenka 5-1 head to head, the Belarusian holds no great fears for the ninth seed.

"It's going to be difficult," Krejcikova said.

"Aryna, she's playing well. She likes it here. She's been playing here really well since the last year.

"But on the other hand, I feel I'm improving with every single match and I'm looking forward for this match-up."

2-ARYNA SABALENKA (BLR) leads 9-BARBORA KREJCIKOVA (CZE) 5-1

2023 Stuttgart, clay, R16, Sabalenka 6-2 6-3

2023 Miami, hard, R16, Sabalenka 6-3 6-2

2023 Indian Wells, hard, R16, Sabalenka 6-3 2-6 6-4

2023 Dubai, hard, QF, Krejcikova 0-6 7-6 (7-2) 6-1

2021 US Open, hard, QF, Sabalenka 6-1 6-4

2020 Linz, hard, SF, Sabalenka 7-5 4-6 6-3