The Latest Breaking News from Ashleigh Barty

The world No 1 beat Italian qualifier Lucia Bronzetti 6-1, 6-1 to book her place in the third round at Melbourne Park

Australian golden girl Ash Barty is through to the Australian Open's third round after triumphing over Italian qualifier Lucia Bronzetti 6-1 6-1.

Melbourne (AFP) - Power-serving top seed Ashleigh Barty raced into the Australian Open third round Wednesday with another near-flawless performance, expelling little energy to swat aside Lucia Bronzetti.

Ash Barty moves a step closer to a possible Australian Open match-up with defending champion Naomi Osaka, dropping just two games in her defeat of qualifier Lucia Bronzetti in the second round.

World No.1 Ash Barty is through to the Australian Open third round without dropping a set courtesy of a 6-1 6-1 demolition of Italian qualifier Lucia Bronzetti.

In-form Spaniard Paula Badosa is into the Australian Open third round for the first time, saying a win over Ash Barty last year fuelled her self belief.

Naomi Osaka, the defending champion, was in scintillating form in beating Madison Brengle while Sascha Zverev beat Australia’s John Millman in style

Eight Aussies remain in the running for an Australian Open singles title. These are the Aussies that triumphed in their first-round matches in Melbourne.

Melbourne (AFP) - Rafael Nadal steps up his march towards a record 21st Grand Slam title at the Australian Open on Wednesday, with Ashleigh Barty and Naomi Osaka also taking centre stage.

Full schedule for day three with Ashleigh Barty, Alexander Zverev, Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils also in action

For nearly two decades Sam Stosur carried Australian hopes of a first homegrown women's singles champion at Melbourne Park since 1978 and while this year marks her last chance to end that drought she says the pressure is finally off. Stosur, 37, has never been beyond the fourth round at…