Ashleigh Barty’s strong start to the summer has continued in Perth with a straight-sets win over former world No.1 Garbine Muguruza at the Hopman Cup.

Barty did not drop one service game in winning 6-3 6-4 on Wednesday to give Australia a 1-0 lead in their tie over Spain.

Matt Ebden can claim victory for Australia with a win over former world No.3 David Ferrer in the men’s singles.

A win will strengthen the host’s chances of making Saturday night’s final of the mixed teams event, although they will need to beat tournament favourite Germany on Friday night to progress.

With 15 winners and six aces in the first set, the statistics indicated Barty dominated against Muguruza.

But she did not win one point from Muguruza’s first three service games.

The Australian then took the lead in the match when she converted her third break point in the Spaniard’s fourth service game.

Barty needed only two break point opportunities in the second set to get her nose in front.

Her win follows a straight-sets victory over France’s Alize Cornet on Saturday.