Rodionova loses Aussie Open playoff semi

Top-seeded Arina Rodionova has lost in three tight sets in the semi-finals of the Australian Open wildcard playoff at Melbourne Park.

Third seed Tammi Patterson has advanced to Sunday's final with a 4-6 6-3 7-5 victory over Rodionova.

In the decider, Patterson will face No.2 seed Destanee Aiava, who has accounted for fourth-ranked Kimberly Birrell, 6-4 6-1.

In Sunday's men's wildcard playoff final, it will be Alex against Alex, with Alex De Minaur to take on good friend Alex Bolt.

The 18-year-old De Minaur is the No.2 seed, while Bolt - six years his senior - is the top seed.

De Minaur dropped one set en route to the final, in the semi-final against Omar Jasika.

Bolt was given a shock in the first round, battling to a five-set win over unknown teenager Benard Nkomba, before straight-sets victories in the quarters and semis.

De Minaur is considered a near certainty to receive a discretionary wildcard should he lose.