Maria Sharapova is refusing to look beyond quarter-final opponent Ekaterina Makarova, despite another speedy triumph yesterday at the Australian Open.

Sharapova thrashed Kirsten Flipkens 6-1, 6-0 in 68 minutes to move into the last eight and maintain her impressive run in Melbourne.

The Russian has only dropped five games in four matches – including a third round battering of Venus Williams – a tournament record since the 128-player draw was introduced in 1988.

With fellow big guns Victoria Azarenka and Serena Williams both in the top half of the draw, Sharapova is expected to cruise into Saturday's final, but the second seed does not see it that way.

She said: "It's not about waiting to see where you are in the semis or finals, it's about who is ahead of you. My next match is against Makarova and I have to do the right things to beat her.

"If I win that, its about moving on to the next opponent. That's how I go about a tournament.

"Obviously I want to be playing my best tennis towards the end of the second week."

Sharapova did not have to play at her best to beat Flipkens, who was vastly outclassed.

The Russian broke for a 2-1 opening set lead, and after breaking twice more she was handed a one-sided first set.

Her intensity did not drop either, denying Flipkens a game on her way to a second set victory and overall win.