18 January 2017 | Alex Sharp

I’ve got goosebumps this is amazing,” declared an ecstatic Ash Barty having surged into a maiden Grand Slam third round.

The 20-year-old roared with emotion having completed a stunning 7-5 6-1 triumph over world No.52 Shelby Rogers.

Barty returned to tennis early last year after a stint playing professional cricket, with the Australian Open her first major campaign since the 2014 US Open.

“I’m shaking it’s incredible,” said Barty on court. “We came on court with a plan and it’s great to come out an execute it.

“There’s no better place in the world to play tennis.”

Rogers conquered fourth seed Simona Halep in the first round but couldn’t break down the stubborn resistance from Barty, who was striking the ball with consummate ease.

A sublime game of one-two winners chalked up 6-5 and the Aussie found the corners to tease the errors from the American to steal a 7-5 lead.

The second set was even more impressive, Barty dictated and then dismantled her opponent, but struggled to serve out the memorable win.

“I’m normally ok serving out matches but my heart was beating out of my chest.”

As a reward, Barty faces qualifier Mona Barthel in the last 32 after the German sent out Olympic gold medallist Monica Puig.

Returning to the Grand Slam stage is high on the checklist for Aussie teenager Alex De Minaur after American Sam Querrey prevailed 7-6(5) 6-0 6-1.

“I think being around these guys and playing against these guys, my level will just rise up to the occasion,” stated the 17-year-old.

31st seed Querrey was the task on Wednesday, a dangerous player who toppled Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon last year.

De Minaur had shocked world No.84 Gerald Melzer in five sets in the opening round and looked to be on course for another stunning display against the towering American.

The 17-year-old saved two break points to open the encounter and stayed toe-to-toe with Querrey in the first set. Locked at 4-5, De Minaur staved off a brace of set points to then force a tie-break. The teenager clawed his way back from 0-3 to 5-5 but Querrey stole the opener and never looked back.

“I’m a little bit disappointed because I really felt like I was in the first set. Actually had a set point there. I just missed a sort of cheap second-serve return. But, you know, a lot of positive to take out from that match, this week, and how I’ve been playing tennis lately,” reflected the Aussie teenager.

“I’m disappointed now, but I’ve just been enjoying this journey. This Australian summer has just been incredible. I just really want to keep it going.”

Jaimee Fourlis will be heading back to combining her school studies whilst pursuing a fledging tennis career, but will never forget her Australian Open debut.

The 17-year-old local made eighth seed Svetlana Kuznetsova earn a 6-2 6-1 victory with some world class attacking play, which made the eventual scoreline seem harsh.

“I was pretty proud of myself, having made the second round. Of course, it didn’t go my way but she’s a two-time Grand Slam champion and an incredible player,” said the world No.414, who is determined to build on the experience.

“I think I held my own but of course she’s a little bit more experienced. She played the big points well, has a big serve, so I just have to tidy up my game and hopefully I’ll play like she does.

“For me working hard is something very big, it’s what has got me here. I need to carry on putting all my effort into training.”

The pair exchanged breaks as it took 13 minutes for the draining first two games.

However the two-time Grand Slam champion wrestled the initiative and with 16 winners, alongside six breaks, headed into the third round.

The Russian praised Fourlis’ game and fighting spirit in her post match interview, with the crowd following suit with a raucous ovation.

“Ah it sent shivers down my spine,” said the Melbourne teenager. “The crowd was amazing today.”