LONDON, Great Britain - In her first match on Centre Court as the World No.1, Ashleigh Barty needed just 52 minutes to book her place in the second week of Wimbledon.
The French Open champion dispatched British wildcard Harriet Dart, 6-1, 6-1, to reach the round of 16 at the All-England Club for the first time.
It was the Aussie's first appearance on Wimbledon's most hallowed court since she reached the doubles final with Casey Dellacqua in 2013.
"It's the most beautiful court in the world, isn't it? I promised myself when I walked out there that I'd smile and try and take it all in. And it changed a little bit since I played on there with Casey a few years ago now," Barty said.
"I think having played on that court now, I know what it's like. It's not too dissimilar to what I expected from a pace of court and things like that, but obviously the surroundings are a little bit different. Now having a taste of that, it's nice to know what it's like."
A junior contemporary of Barty and just about three months younger than the top seed, the wildcard staved off a first set bagel by holding serve in the sixth game, and did the same in the fifth game of the second.
"I think I got better as the match went on, which was really pleasing. It was really important for me to get out of that 4-1 game from Love-40. In that stretch of seven or eight points after that, I played some of my best tennis. I was in control of those points," Barty added.
"I think the best thing is that I didn't let up the whole match. I kept the foot down and I was able to stay in control of most games. Particularly early on in games, getting those first couple points."
In the most contentious game of the match, Barty saved four break points to hold serve - in part from a 0-40 deficit - in the sixth game of the second set, and broke the World No.182 for a fifth time to wrap up the match.
"It'll always be nice to have quick matches. I think it's nice to know that I can go in and execute and get my job done," the Aussie continued.
"In saying that, as well, a lot of my matches haven't been as easy as the scoreline suggests. I think there have been some really tricky moments. Today at 4-1, that was a really important game I think.
"It was really nice to be able to get out of that and play some good tennis to get out of that game."
With a 10th straight Grand Slam victory, the Aussie extended her overall winning streak to 15 consecutive matches, having followed up her maiden Slam title in Paris with another trophy at the Nature Valley Classic in Birmingham prior to Wimbledon.
For a berth in her first Wimbledon quarterfinal, she will face another player who won a grass court event this summer on Monday.
Up next for Barty is American and Libéma Open champion Alison Riske, who pulled off another comeback victory in the third round over No.13 seed Belinda Bencic, from a break down in the final set.
"Whenever Alison's back was against the wall, she produced her best tennis. I think that's no secret. You ask any opponent that plays Alison, she's up for the fight, makes you work for every single point," Barty assessed.
"I think it will be really important for me to go out there and try and bring my variety, take my opportunities when I get them. Also I know she loves playing on the grass court. She's going to make me play a million balls. I have to be at my best."
