Australia's Hunter keeps doubles dream alive at Open

Australia's golden girl Storm Hunter has eased through to the quarter-finals of the women's doubles as she seeks to win a maiden title at Melbourne Park.

Two days after bowing out of the singles in a gritty third-round contest against Barbora Krejcikova, the 29-year-old ensured she remained in the hunt for doubles glory.

With Czech partner Katerina Siniakova, Hunter powered past Ekaterina Alexandrova and Anna Kalinskaya 6-2 6-2 in a convincing third-round win on Sunday.

"We're a new partnership, so still working it out on the court," Hunter said.

"The most important thing is that we're really enjoying it and working together as a team.

"We're super happy to be in the quarter-finals."

Hunter could face off with Krejcikova for the second time in less than a week, with the Czech partnering with German Laura Siegemund.

If they win their third-round match against Emma Navarro and Diana Shnaider, they will play Hunter and Siniakova in the quarter-finals.

It is Hunter's third straight appearance in a quarter-final at Melbourne Park, but she has never progressed any further in the women's doubles.

However, she reached the semi-finals in the mixed doubles in Melbourne in 2021.

In 2022, she partnered fellow Australian John Peers to be crowned US Open mixed doubles champions.

Hunter is the top seed in this year's mixed doubles with Matthew Ebden.

The Aussies easily accounted for Lyudmyla Kichenok and Mate Pavic 6-3 6-3 in just 51 minutes in their first-round match on Sunday.