Serena powers into semi-finals

Serena Williams hits a backhand return against Shahar Peer in their women's singles quarter-final match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne yesterday. Williams came from behind to win3-6, 6-2, 8-6. PHOTO: AFP

The "ultimate competitor" Serena Williams upset the form book to blitz into the Australian Open semi-finals yesterday as Roger Federer and Andy Roddick set up a showdown against each other.

Seven-time Grand Slam champion Williams, who won here in 2003 and 2005, staged an amazing fightback to down Israeli 16th seed Shahar Peer 3-6, 6-2, 8-6 in an epic battle and will meet Czech teenager Nicole Vaidisova in the semis.

Federer, the top seed, was made the sweat in the second set of his quarter-final with seventh seed Tommy Robredo of Spain, before he re-established order to win 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), 7-5.

"It was a tough straight sets win," said the Swiss world No. 1, who was playing in front of his parents and sisters, who jetted in from Europe. "I had to work really hard tonight. It was breezy so we had to adjust."

Federer a new Open-era record of 11 consecutive Grand Slam semi-final appearances in beating Robredo, overtaking Ivan Lendl.

He has yet to drop a set and has a 12-1 record against Roddick, but he knows the American is playing well.

"I'm really looking forward to playing Andy. He's in good form so I'll need to be at my best," Federer said.

It was a simpler exercise for Roddick against the unseeded Mardy Fish, wrapping up a 6-2, 6-2, 6-2 win in one hour 27 minutes, just four minutes longer than it took Williams to get through her third set.

Williams from a set down to lead 4-1 in the final set before her gritty opponent, the first Israeli woman to reach a Grand Slam quarter-final, pulled level.

But Williams drew on all her experience to carry her through.

"I feel awesome. I'm the ultimate competitor," said the elated Williams, who came into the tournament unseeded after an injury-hit last year.

"It's exciting to come through. I'm just happy to be out there and competing. I feel absolutely no pressure. Definitely ready to create some more carnage, hopefully," she said.

Tenth Vaidisova won an all-Czech quarter-final 6-1, 6-4 against unseeded Lucie Safarova, who dumped defending champion Amelie Mauresmo out of the tournament.

The 17-year-old, who made the French Open semis last year, belied her tender years with a ruthless performance and broke her opponent twice early in the match then served out the first set with an ace.

The lanky world No. 12 maintained the pressure and put her big-match experience to good use to end Safarova's challenge after one hour 11 minutes.

"Definitely very, very happy and excited," said Vaidisova, who is the youngest player left in the tournament.

"The first Grand Slam of the year, you have some off season. You don't know how you're going to come back. But I had a great start to the year and I just keep improving," she said.

With Safarova out the way, she is already looking forward to meeting Williams tomorrow.

"I've never played Serena before. She's definitely a great champion. I expect a tough match from her," she said.