Australian Open 2012: Day 6 Scores and Results Summary

Although there were a couple minor upsets, Day 6 of the Australian Open mostly featured dominant performances from the top players on both the men's and women's sides. That means that several marquee matchups could be on the horizon as we approach the Round of 16.

The majority of the top seeds remain in both draws, so there could certainly be some classic matches in the coming rounds. All four of the top seeds are still alive in the men's bracket, while heavy hitters like Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams and Petra Kvitova are still playing among the women.

Here are the most important results from Day 6, and for the rest of the results from Day 6 and any time previous, be sure to visit the Australian Open's official website.

Men's Results

No. 1 Novak Djokovic d. Nicolas Mahut (6-0, 6-1, 6-1)

Not surprisingly, world No. 1 Novak Djokovic made an example of journeyman Nicolas Mahut. While Mahut may have played the longest match in tennis history against John Isner at Wimbledon in 2010, his crushing defeat against Djokovic probably ranks as one of the shorter three-set matches ever.

Djoker has been dominant on hard courts last season, so Mahut never stood much of a chance, as Djokovic seems destined for yet another Aussie Open final.

No. 4 Andy Murray d. Michael Llodra (6-4, 6-2, 6-0)

He may not get the same publicity as Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer since he has yet to win a major, but No. 4 Andy Murray has been just as impressive thus far. He may be the best hard-court player in the game behind Djokovic, and it showed in his three-set destruction of Michael Llodra.

Llodra is certainly no pushover, but Murray took control after a competitive first set. It's hard to imagine a showdown between Murray and Djokovic in the semis not happening at this point.

No. 5 David Ferrer d. No. 27 Juan Ignacio Chela (7-5, 6-2, 6-1)

Although he isn't part of men's tennis' "Big Four," Spaniard David Ferrer is a force to be reckoned with in the Australian Open. The crafty veteran knocked off countryman Rafael Nadal in the Aussie Open quarters last season, and he continued his success in the tournament yesterday by dispatching of Juan Ignacio Chela.

Ferrer may not get a shot at Nadal again this year, but if things go as planned, he will likely have a chance to upset No. 1 Novak Djokovic. While it may seem like an impossible task, Ferrer has a great arsenal of weapons.

Lleyton Hewitt d. No. 23 Milos Raonic (4-6, 6-3, 7-6, 6-3)

For whatever reason, former world No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt is rarely ranked anymore. But he continues to excel in Grand Slam tournaments, as he took out talented Canadian Milos Raonic. Hewitt, an Aussie, is a fan favorite in Melbourne, and he continues to give the home crowd something to cheer about, as he followed up an upset of American Andy Roddick with another surprising win.

With all American men already out, Raonic was the last hope for North America in the men's draw, but he lost composure after a strong first set. Hewitt has a great track record, so he could be a challenge for Novak Djokovic in his next match.

Women's Results

No. 2 Petra Kvitova d. No. 27 Maria Kirilenko (6-0, 1-0)

After a big scare from Carla Suarez Navarro in the last round, defending Wimbledon champion and World No. 2 Petra Kvitova proved that she is deserving of her lofty ranking. Kvitova completely overpowered No. 27 Maria Kirilenko in the first set before Kirilenko was forced to retire in the second with a thigh injury.

Kvitova looks to be on a collision course with either Maria Sharapova or Serena Williams in the semis, and while she may be considered the underdog, that may be selling Kvitova short.

No. 4 Maria Sharapova d. No. 30 Angelique Kerber (6-1, 6-2)

No. 4 Maria Sharapova continued her dominant run through the 2012 Aussie Open with a complete performance against No. 30 Angelique Kerber. Sharapova continually lashed Kerber's struggling serve and served well in her own right. Despite not playing many matches this year prior to the start of this tournament, Sharapova looks to be in mid-season form.

Sharapova has a brutal draw, however, and things won't get easier from here on out, as she could conceivably face Sabine Lisicki, Serena Williams, Petra Kvitova and Caroline Wozniacki in succession. Even so, Sharapova may be the player to beat.

No. 12 Serena Williams d. Great Arn (6-1, 6-1)

Despite her No. 12 ranking, Serena Williams is perhaps the Australian Open favorite. She has won the past two Aussie Opens and has a 17-match winning streak in the tourney. Williams made quick work of overmatched Hungarian Greta Arn in the third round.

While Serena has been nursing an ankle injury, it certainly didn't show in her most recent match.

Like Sharapova, Williams has a brutal draw remaining, so she will really have to earn a third consecutive title down under. If she plays her best in every match, however, nobody can match up with Serena.

No. 14 Sabine Lisicki d. No. 18 Svetlana Kuznetsova (2-6, 6-4, 6-2)

In what may have been the best ladies' match of the day, No. 14 Sabine Lisicki outlasted No. 18 Svetlana Kuznetsova in a three-set affair. Kuznetsova dominated the first set and held a 2-0 lead in the second, but the powerful Lisicki seemingly came back from the dead as she gutted out a second-set win and easily won the third.

Kuznetsova has been considered a bit of a head case, and that may have come into play, as she clearly blew the match. Lisicki has an incredibly tough match with Maria Sharapova next, but she is one of the few players on tour who can come close to matching Maria's power.