Garbiñe Muguruza is one step closer to another Grand Slam title.
The 23-year-old Spanish-Venezuelan tennis player has booked a maiden Australian Open quarterfinals berth, cruising to a straight-sets win over Romania’s Sorana Cirstea.
Muguruza, who defeated Serena Williams in the final of last year’s French Open, rarely looked troubled on her way to a 6-2, 6-3 victory in just more than an hour on Sunday night.
She’ll next face American Coco Vandeweghe, who beat world No. 1 Angelique Kerber.
“It was a very important match for me because this is the third time that I’m in the round of 16 and I never go through,” Muguruza said.
“It means a lot. I always come here very motivated. To be in the quarterfinals is such a great achievement and I’m so looking forward to keep winning.”
Muguruza was able to capitalize on 26 unforced errors from world No. 78 Cirstea, who sought a medical timeout during the second set for treatment of a wrist injury.
Muguruza said she had grown in confidence since claiming her first grand slam title at Roland Garros last year.
“I know grand slams are very important,” Muguruza said.
“When you win one, you have that self-confidence and that belief in yourself that you can do it again.”