Ferrer continues dazzling run by beating Isner in straight sets

Never one to steal the headlines, eighth-seeded David Ferrer has quietly advanced to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open for the fifth time in six years by beating towering John Isner in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5.

Twice a semifinalist in Melbourne, the 33-year-old Spaniard has yet to drop a set this tournament, dominating the field with stellar baseline play and his trademark foot speed.

After snatching the first two sets, Ferrer broke the strong-serving American in the final frame to take a 6-5 advantage, serving out the match at love to defeat Isner in a little more than two hours.

Isner, who is more than a foot taller than the pacey Spaniard, has only beaten Ferrer once in eight meetings, and even with 18 aces to the 2013 French Open finalist's one, the strong serving American failed to break serve once.

Ferrer is now faced with the unenviable task of playing a second-seeded Andy Murray, with the Scot desperate to overturn a history of bridesmaid's performances in Melbourne, as both players look to win their first Australian Opens, and Ferrer his first slam.