Former world number one Daniil Medvedev continued his impressive start to the season ahead of the Australian Open, dispatching Frances Tiafoe in straight sets at the Brisbane International on Wednesday.

The top seed required just one hour to seal a convincing 6-3, 6-2 victory over the American, following an equally dominant first-round win against Hungary’s Márton Fucsovics earlier in the week.

Medvedev was in complete control on serve, not facing a single break point as he progressed to the quarter-finals. The 29-year-old’s efficiency and consistency underlined his growing confidence as the season gathers momentum.

The Russian has previously acknowledged that Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner currently sit a level above the rest of the men’s tour, but he also believes anything is possible at Grand Slam level. His performances in Brisbane suggest he will be among the contenders when the Australian Open begins on January 18.

“I’m really happy with the way I played in both matches,” said Medvedev, a three-time finalist at Melbourne Park. “It’s a continuation of how I finished last season, playing better and better.

“These two matches were even stronger, and I’m pleased that the work I put in during the pre-season is already paying off.”

Elsewhere in the men’s draw, defending champion Jiří Lehečka was forced to retire from his match against American Sebastian Korda. Korda had taken the opening set, with the pair level in the second, when Lehečka withdrew due to an ankle injury.

In the women’s competition, second seed and world number three Amanda Anisimova progressed comfortably with a 6-1, 6-3 win over Australia’s Kimberly Birrell.

Eighteen-year-old Russian rising star Mirra Andreeva faced a stiffer test but recovered well to defeat Australian qualifier Olivia Gadecki 4-6, 6-1, 6-2.