Venus Williams, Not Serena, on US Fed Cup Team Vs. Poland

Serena Williams has continued her dominance over rival Maria Sharapova, winning in straight sets to reach the semi-finals of the Australian Open.

When it was put to her that there is clearly a big gap between her and Sharapova, Williams said: "There is".

The five-time grand slam victor fended off three consecutive break points at 3-4, prompting Sharapova to roar "come on" and her coach, Sven Groeneveld, to leap out of his chair in the players' box at Rod Laver Arena.

Federer crushed sixth-seeded Czech Tomas Berdych 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 6-4 in his quarter-final earlier on Tuesday to progress to the last four at a major for a mind-boggling 40th time.

The 34-year-old Federer used a full array of shots, including some vintage backhands, in his 48 winners to avenge losses to Berdych at Wimbledon in 2010 and the 2012 U.S. Open.

Polish fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska has beaten Spain's number 10 seed Carla Suarez Navarro to seal the first place in the semi-finals of the women's singles at the Australian Open. But Williams worked her way into the match in style, saving break points at 4-4 and winning seven games in a row at one stage.

Serena Williams has defeated Maria Sharapova to enter the semifinals of the ongoing Australian Open held in Melbourne.

The world number one called for a brief visit from the doctor at the changeover, but powered on stronger than ever in the second set, making it 12 games out of 15 as she sealed victory after one hour and 32 minutes.

Williams required a trainer at the end of the set due to what appeared to be illness, but she was having few problems on the court as she broke for 2-0 in the second. The aggressive returns finally helped Williams convert on her fourth set point, following a heavy ground stroke to the net and putting away a volley.

"But I have to learn about these situations, this match, this experience".

Next up for Murray will be No. 8 David Ferrer, a two-time semifinalist, who held off No. 10-seeded American John Isner 6-4, 6-4, 7-5.

Early on Tuesday it seemed Sharapova might challenge Williams: She broke Williams's serve to open the match and held serve for a 2-0 lead before Williams won the next three games.

"He's the type of player who makes you better".

"When I play her, I know automatically I have to step up my game", said Williams, a 21-time major victor.

"I was a little lethargic (in the first set) I just started slow".

Serena continued her solid form through the tournament with a 6-4, 6-1 win over the No. 5 seed to advance to the semifinals. However, she hasn't given up hope yet and reveals that Williams is infact "inspiring".

Serena Williams once again proved to be too good for Maria Sharapova. But make no mistake: Serena and her 18 straight over Sharapova is one of the greatest achievements in sports.

Despite yet another defeat, Sharapova insisted it kept her motivated to keep improving.

"She played quite explosive".

"I think if you're serving maybe 180[km/h] against somebody else compared to Serena, that's an ace, Against Serena, as we all know, the return is one of her great strengths", she said.