Serena Williams sets up Sharapova rematch at Aus Open

The 21-time grand slam champion eased past Gasparyan 6-2 6-1 on Rod Laver Arena on Sunday, setting up a quarter-final clash with Sharapova in a repeat of last year's final.

Williams owns an incredible 18-2 win-loss record against Sharapova, including winning their past six matches in straight sets and last 17 overall.

Her trip to the last eight marks the 10th time she has made the quarter-finals at Melbourne Park, where she is a six-time champion.

Williams has shown no signs of easing up after an incredible 2015 that included three grand slam titles, doing what was expected of her in 55 minutes in her latest win.

Her forehand did much of the damage with 10 winners, while she lost just 13 points on serve in a comfortable win.

Williams had only been broken once in the first three rounds, but that number was doubled in the opening game as Russia's Gasparyan made the perfect start.

The American took time to find her rhythm, and when she did the clash settled into the expected pattern of dominance.

The first set was over in just 30 minutes as Gasparyan sent a powerful forehand wide before Williams maintained control in the second, setting up a showdown with Sharapova.

STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN

Williams [1] bt Gasparyan 6-2 6-1

ACES

Williams - 3

Gasparyan - 4

WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS

Williams - 19/15

Gasparyan - 9/14

BREAK POINTS WON

Williams - 5/12

Gasparyan - 1/2

FIRST SERVE PERCENTAGE

Williams - 57

Gasparyan - 65

PERCENTAGE OF POINTS WON ON FIRST/SECOND SERVE

Williams - 75/61

Gasparyan - 57/19

TOTAL POINTS

Williams - 55

Gasparyan - 33