France, Feb. 9 -- Australian Open top seed Ashleigh Barty launched her bid to become the first homegrown women's singles champion in 43 years with a quick-fire romp past Danka Kovinic on Tuesday.

The 26-year-old from Montenegro was dispatched 6-0, 6-0 in 44 minutes.

"To play in front of you guys is a real honour, a privilege," Barty told the fans on Rod Laver Arena. "This is what it's all about, it's incredible I felt great out here."

On Sunday in the final of the Yarra Valley Classic, 24-year-old Barty beat the former world number one Garbine Muguruza 7-6, 6-4 to claim the ninth title of her career.

Contender

And she underlined her credentials as one of the contenders for the crown at the season's opening Grand Slam tournament with ...