Chinese Dream Run To End

In the biggest shock of the Australian Open so far, Chinese duo Na Li and Jie Zheng are both through to the semi-finals in the women's draw. They are now one victory away from making it an all-China final, after they defeated Venus Williams and Maria Kirilenko respectively in the quarterfinals. However, they run into players with a combined total of 18 grand slam title's between them.

Li, the number 16 seed, will face world number one Serena Williams in what should be a fascinating contest. Williams came from the depths of defeat against Victoria Azarenka yesterday, eventually winning in three sets. In complete contrast, Li defeated Serena's sister Venus in straight sets to end the American's inconsistent campaign.

Zheng faces comeback queen Justine Henin in the second semi-final. In a comprehensive display, Zheng defeated Maria Kirilenko in straight sets to end the Russian glamour girl's dream run. Henin had it a little tougher against Nadia Petrova but was still able to win in straight sets.

While Li and Zheng have been outstanding and have gone under the radar somewhat, their superb form may have run its last leg. Williams and Henin have an incredible amount of experience between them and both have been in this situation many times before. The Chinese girls will put up a good fight, but I believe that Williams and Henin will be too strong, therefore setting up a fascinating battle between the two in the final on Saturday.

After a shaky start, Roger Federer recovered to eliminate danger man Nikolay Davydenko in their quarterfinal match up. The Russian struggled against Fernando Verdasco in his previous match, eventually scraping through in five sets. That patchy form looked like a distant memory as he stunned Federer in the first set winning 6-2. However, after looking all at sea, Federer fought back as only he can to win the next three sets and advance to the semi-finals.

His opponent will be France's Jo-Wilfred Tsonga, who continued his love with the Australian Open, defeating world number three Novak Djokovic in another enthralling five set match. Tsonga found another gear to win the final two sets as Djokovic seemed to be effected by a crook stomach.

Tonight, Andy Murray takes on Marin Cilic in a battle of the young guns. Murray has looked the most impressive top seed so far, not even dropping a set. Cilic has played some marathon matches in this tournament, including five set matches against Bernard Tomic, Juan Martin del Potro and Andy Roddick. Therefore, the Scotsman will be fresh when he takes to the court and will be extremely difficult to beat.