Ekaterina Makarova hails "special" Australian Open

Ekaterina Makarova has said that the Australian Open does "something special" to her tennis after she booked her place in the quarter-finals.

The Russian beat Julia Goerges in straight sets earlier this morning to set up a last-eight clash with either Simona Halep or Yanina Wickmayer.

The 10th seed told the tournament's official website: "I'm so happy that I showed my best tennis today and I came through. I was comfortable, we never played before so I didn't know exactly what to expect in singles, we played so many times doubles, so I'm glad I was playing really good today.

"I don't know what is here that is something special for me but I'm really enjoying being here and playing here."

It will be the third time that the 26-year-old has played in the quarter-finals at the Melbourne major.