Li Na of China reacts during her match against Barbora Zahlavova Strycova of the Czech Republic at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne January 21, 2011. REUTERS

MELBOURNE, Australia, January 21 -- China's top tennis player Li Na cruised into the 4th round of the women's singles at the Australian Open by winning Barbora Zahlavova Strycova from Czech Republic 6-2, 6-1 here on Friday.

The 9th seed dominated in the first meet against the Czech to improve her winning streak to eight in the new season.

"It's an easy match," said Li, a semifinalist here last year. " I felt little pressure from the other side of the net."

Li, coming to Melbourne as one of the title contenders after winning her biggest title in Sydney, now sets up a clash with 8th seed Victoria Azarenka for a quarterfinal spot.

"It will be a challenge for me. I have to prepare for a tough match," she said.