The 28-year-old Kerber, who powered past Beck 6-4, 6-0 to reach the quarterfinals in Melbourne for the first time on Monday, told reporters afterwards that she was hoping to go even further in the tournament.

"The trip isn't over, I hope I have a few matches to go," said Kerber, who also conceded that she would have to "be better" to beat her next opponent, Victoria Azarenka, who has won all six of their previous matches.

"It's a new (match), it starts from zero, and I know what's coming from her. I will try to be aggressive and try to go and win the match."

Among the others through to the quarterfinals are world No. 1 Serena Williams, who will face fifth seeded arch-rival Maria Sharapova on Tuesday.

Wawrinka bounced out

On the men's side, 25-year-old Canadian Milos Raonic won a thriller, upsetting 2014 Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland 6-4, 6-3, 5-7, 4-6, 6-3 to secure his spot in the quarters. This was Raonic's first win in five matches against the reigning French Open champion, who was suffering from a cold.

"Tough match in general," Wawrinka said. "I wasn't really feeling great, wasn't moving well. I fought as always but I'm surprised I made it five sets. I'm disappointed but I tried, I tried."

pfd/ftm (dpa, SID, AP, AFP)