Switzerland's Patty Schnyder overwhelmed former French Open champion Anastasia Myskina 6-2, 6-1 on Monday to advance to the quarter-finals at Melbourne Park.
The 27-year-old seventh seed destroyed 12th seeded Myskina in just 55 minutes, proving that she is emerging as a real threat for the year's first Grand Slam title.
But while Swiss compatriots Roger Federer and Martina Hingis continue to attract the media spotlight at the Australian Open, Schnyder said her quiet advance to the last eight was reward enough for her efforts.
"It's just nice seeing the Swiss so successful in tennis," she told reporters.
"It's a great thing also for me. I just try to do my things and go for my career.
"(But) there is also a lot of (interest) booming in Switzerland for tennis."
Federer has been untroubled in the tournament so far, while Hingis has made a remarkable comeback to her first Grand Slam since retiring in 2002 with foot and ankle injuries.
Both play later on Monday to try and join Schnyder, who by contrast has received little hype, in the last eight.
"I think I have more confidence coming into it," she said of last season when she finished in the top-10 for the first time.
"(I) definitely feel great on the court, winning everything in two sets and really dominating from the baseline.
"Like I said, last year gave me a lot of confidence.
"Even though I didn't play my best the tournaments before, like in the Gold Coast or Sydney, I just can come back with a big event, yeah, the big stage to get my game back and play good tennis."
Schnyder deliberately attacked Myskina's backhand throughout the match to set up her crosscourt forehand, while the Russian, who made 32 unforced errors, also struggled with her first serve.
"It's kind of my game. I know if I mix it up, either her forehand and backhand can break down a little bit," added Schnyder.
"That's what happened. I just felt comfortable going to her backhand because it favours my forehand cross court, which is my best shot."
Schnyder now meets third seeded Frenchwoman Amelie Mauresmo in the quarter-finals and the Swiss left hander said she had no concerns.
"I mean, it doesn't get any easier. (I'll) just try to get the tactics against her and then go for it.
"You never know what's going to happen. She's maybe a little favourite. But I think I have a shot."
