Cairns QLD, Australia, 14 October 2016 | David Packman

Qualifier Maddison Inglis has reached the quarterfinals at the Cairns Tennis International after a comprehensive 6-1 6-1 victory over Seone Mendez on Thursday.

The Perth 18-year-old is enjoying her best run during the current Pro Tour series after earning her place in several main draws but being unable to make further in-roads.

Inglis tasted life at the elite level of the game last year after winning the Australian Open 2016 Play-off and making her Grand Slam debut as a wildcard.

Although she gained valuable insight from the experience, she admitted the achievement has brought about a certain weight of expectation.

“I feel like I’m hitting the ball way better now though,” Inglis said. “I’ve just changed my mindset a bit this week and I’m going out there and not letting my nerves get control of me.”

Inglis will face Abigail Tere-Apisah in the quarterfinals on Friday. The Papua New Guinean qualifier has made yet another strong Pro Tour showing in Cairns after reaching the same stage in Brisbane a fortnight ago.

“I know a bit about her but not that much,” Inglis said of the upcoming encounter against Tere-Apisah. “I’ll just need to focus on my own game.”

Fans are assured of at least one Aussie semifinalist as Lizette Cabrera – on a 12-match winning streak after winning Pro Tour titles in Tweed Heads and Brisbane – takes on Olivia Rogowska in the second quarterfinal.

Despite her lower ranking, Cabrera has won their past two matches, including their semifinal in Tweed Heads.

Top-seeded American Asia Muhammad and third seed Miyu Kato of Japan round out the draw when they meet Viktoria Kuzmova (SVK) and Sandra Zaniewska (POL) respectively.

Live scores of all Australian Pro Tour events are available through www.tennis.com.au/protour/scores and for a live stream of selected events visit www.tennis.com.au/protour.