Dutch player Diede de Groot was hoping for a third consecutive women's title at Melbourne Park but the top seed lost her quarter-final 6-7, 6-3, 7-5 to China's Zhenzhen Zhu.

Argentina's reigning men's champion Gustavo Fernandez also lost his last eight clash as the second seed went down 6-3, 6-7, 6-2 to Britain's Gordon Reid.

Zhu will now player another Dutch player in the semi-finals after Aniek van Koot beat compatriot Marjolein Buis 7-6, 6-4.

Japan's second seed Yui Kamiji advanced by beating Britain's Jordanne Whiley 6-2, 7-6 and will play South Africa's Kgothatso Montjane, a 6-0, 6-1 winner over Germany's Sabine Ellerbrock.

Reid's reward is a last four clash with Belgium's Joachim Gerard, who defeated Australian wildcard Ben Weekes 6-0, 6-2.

"I'm very pleased with the performance and result today," said Reid. 

"I served and returned well for the majority of the match and managed to impose my style, which is important against Gustavo. 

"I'm looking forward to another opportunity tomorrow against Gerard."

Shingo Kunieda, Japan's top seed, beat France's Nicolas Peifer 6-4, 6-4 to go through and will now meet Britain's Alfie Hewett.

Hewett beat another Frenchman, Stephane Houdet, 6-3, 6-4.

In the quad singles round-robin, Australia's home star Dylan Alcott began with victory as he chases a sixth consecutive Australian Open title.

He was too strong for compatriot Heath Davidson, 6-2, 6-0.

Britain's world number one Andy Lapthorne also began with victory by beating American David Wagner 6-3, 7-6.

Competition at the opening Grand Slam of the season continues tomorrow in both singles and doubles.