MELBOURNE (AFP) — Ana Ivanovic brought Venus Williams' Australian Open to a juddering halt Wednesday.
Standing between Ivanovic and a final appearance is Slovakia's Daniela Hantuchova, who blew Polish teenager Agnieszka Radwanska off court 6-2, 6-2, as she continues her comeback after a dive in the rankings.
It was a sorry end for Williams, who was desperate to claim her first title at Melbourne Park to add to her four Wimbledon and two US Open crowns.
With her sister Serena, the defending champion, also out, it spelt the end of the tournament for the Williams' clan.
Ivanovic, 20, overcame the American eighth seed in a ferociously-contested 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 thriller, and credited the crowd on centre court and her improved fitness for helping her into the last four for the first time.
"It was an amazing match, we had lots of long rallies, she's an amazing competitor and she was also playing very well today," the 20-year-old fourth seed said after posting her first win over Williams in four attempts.
"I'm just so happy I pulled through the whole two sets.
"Most of all I'm thrilled that it happened here because I just love playing here and I'm so comfortable here on court."
Williams played with her left thigh heavily strapped, but gave credit to her opponent. And she defiantly vowed to bounce back.
"I have full expectations and aspirations to continue to play high quality tennis and to continue to be a champion," she said.
Ivanovic will play ninth seed Hantuchova, ensuring at least one player in the final on Saturday will be contesting their first Australian decider.
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