Serena Williams through to Australian Open semi-final as sister Venus crashes out
Serena Williams was too good for 11th seed Dominika Cibulkova. (AAP) AAP
Looking every inch the world No.1, Serena Williams sent Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova crashing out of the Australian Open today, setting up an all-American semi-final with teen star Madison Keys.
The top seed moved within two wins of a sixth title at Melbourne Park and a first since 2010, crushing last year's runner-up 6-2 6-2 in 65 minutes.
Williams faced only two break points in the match against the No.11 seed from Slovakia and saved both with a minimum of fuss.
"I just knew I had to be good today," said Williams.
"I'm just happy to be able to come through."
The 33-year-old will be appearing in the last four at a major for the 26th time, in complete contrast to the 19-year-old Keys, who had not got further than the third round at a grand slam before this week.
Keys beat Serena's older sister Venus Williams 6-3 4-6 6-4 in a roller-coaster quarter-final despite suffering a groin injury.
The 19-year-old took a lengthy injury time-out trailing 1-4 in the second set and looked as though she may not be able to continue.
But Keys emerged to push the veteran 15 years her senior to a third set, won with power and poise.
"I'm happy that my leg didn't prevent me from having a win," Keys said.
Keys looked overcome at her achievement after calling the Williams sisters her inspiration for taking up tennis.
"The moment is definitely sweeter by being able to play Venus," she said.
"It's amazing, you just have to embrace the moment.
"Now I get to enjoy another moment next round."
The biggest challenge for Keys looks to be overcoming her leg injury, which she confirmed was the same strain that forced her withdrawal from Wimbledon last year.
While losing the second set 6-4, Keys re-found her range and blasted home with 14 third-set winners.
Williams praised Keys for her tenacity.
"In this kind of match you have to be aggressive," she said.
"All credit to her."
The Williams sisters and Keys will all team up for the US in Fed Cup action next week.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
