Ivanovic comes through Venus test

Ana Ivanovic survived a tough encounter with Venus Williams to book her place in the semi-finals of the Australian Open on Wednesday.

The number four seed completed a 7-6 (7/3) 6-4 victory to enjoy a first career triumph over the American and set up a last four clash with Daniela Hantuchova, who beat Agnieszka Radwanska 6-2 6-2 earlier in the day.

In a first set that featured six breaks of serve in the opening seven games, Ivanovic jumped into an early 2-0 lead before Williams hit back.

A crunching forehand off the Williams serve then set up three break points for the Serbian, which she secured when the eighth seed hit a return into the net.

Williams, playing with her thigh heavily strapped, fought back to make it 3-2 and neither player could subsequently hold serve until Williams did so for the first time to level the encounter at 4-4.

The set headed to a tiebreak and Ivanovic took control after reeling off five consecutive points before taking the upper hand in the match when Williams hammered a simple-looking backhand volley into the net.

Williams broke her opponent early in the second set to take a 2-0 lead but Ivanovic broke back on the way to levelling at 3-3.

And the 20-year-old made the decisive breakthrough three games later to break Williams and serve for the match.

"I thought I played some good tennis," said Ivanovic. "I was looking for some revenge. I went out there and from the first moment on I tried to think only on each point.

"I worked very hard in my off-season. I'm really happy to see the results because there were moments I was struggling, of course, because it's important to realise that it has to be hard on your practice court so it will be easier for you in your matches."