LATEST ACTION (all times GMT)  | 606: DEBATE |
To get involved text us your views & comments on 81111. (Not all contributions can be used)1130: Right then, another day, another bunch of ace tennis matches and now that we're really into the business end of the tournament here's hoping for a few more to come. Tomorrow is all about the semi-finals, with Elena Dementieva up against Serena Williams, Vera Zvonareva playing Dinara Safina, and Andy Roddick facing Roger Federer. The latter of those matches will be live on the red button, this website (UK users only) and Five Live sports extra, while we will be bringing you all the action as always on our text commentary. Lest we forget, British duo Laura Robson and Heather Watson will also be in action in the Girls' quarter-finals too, so you have no excuse not to get involved again from 2300 GMT tonight. Who needs sleep anyway, right? 1125: "I don't know how I won, really. Gilles is very good player, much improved in last few months, but for me it's always amazing to play here in such a big tournament and I'm very happy to get through. It's a bit difficult to play in conditions like this - the ball is faster and it is very hot - but it will be incredible to play Fernando Verdasco in the semi-final and we're guaranteed a Spaniard in the final which is great. He is in great form and it will be a very tough match, but I will enjoy it."
Rafael Nadal following his win over Simon "Nadal was pretty patchy but the story of the match for Simon, much like Tsonga earlier on, is that he produced his worst stuff just when he needed his best. Sometimes it's all a matter of............ timing."
Ryushinku on 606
Join the debate on 606 THIRD SET Nadal 6-2 7-5 7-5 Simon
And that is that, people, as Nadal sees out the hold to love with Simon understandably more deflated than a child's swimming aid at the end of the summer holidays. Nadal wraps up the straight sets win when Simon goes long with a backhand - a brief snapshot of the story of the match perhaps. It was far from a vintage display from the world number one, but they say that the best players win even when they don't play well and Rafa is certainly one of those. Who is 'they' by the way? Can we all qualify? I might start making up bizarre sayings and cliches if so... Nadal 6-2 7-5 6-5 Simon
Oopsa-daisy Martin Hayesy - Simon double faults at 15-15 to open the door for a Nadal counter-attack, and the Spaniard needs no further invitation as a looped forehand prompts the error from the sixth seed to bring up two break points. Simon saves the first, but Nadal wraps up a nervy rally from both players with a brutal crosscourt forehand to snag the break and that, I think, will be that folks. TV replays suggest, by the way, that Nadal's forehand winner could have only kissed the line if it touched it at all - but Simon did not challenge so we'll never know. Nadal 6-2 7-5 5-5 Simon
Forget what I said about Rafa not being able to locate his top drawer - he's not only found it, but he's rummaged around his pants and socks and produced a quite stunning crosscourt lob that has Simon looking to the heavens with a wry smile. Nadal goes on to hold to love and even though even he knows he's not playing his best tennis, the world number one will be looking to press the Simon serve next up for sure... "Why is Rafa making so many unforced errors??? I'm not impressed by Rafa today..."
sisterofnight12 on 606
Join the debate on 606 Nadal 6-2 7-5 4-5 Simon
No hangover from Simon after that missed opportunity in the previous game, but still Nadal is struggling to even locate his top drawer, let alone pull out any shots he has in there. The Spaniard briefly threatens at 30-30, but Simon defends brilliantly in the rally before Rafa pushes a forehand long and the sixth seed goes on to hold. Rafa must serve to stay in the set... Nadal 6-2 7-5 4-4 Simon
The forehand and backhand passing shots down the line have paid dividends in the last couple of sets for Simon and another couple in game eight of the third set seem to rattle Nadal as the Spaniard gifts his opponent break point. Miraculously, a Nadal forehand clips the baseline by a matter of a camel's eyelash to save it, though, and the world number one seals the hold when Simon pushes a return long. Is that the chance gone for the Frenchman? "Perhaps Nadal ate that dodgy banana? (See below)"
SaintOne on 606
Join the debate on 606
"To be frank, Rafael Nadal is probably playing his worst match of the tournament so far. He's not got the timing, pace or accuracy tonight for some reason and Simon really needs to get in his face and try to take advantage."
John Lloyd on Five Live sports extraNadal 6-2 7-5 3-4 Simon
Brilliant from Simon, holding with ease as he presses Nadal with a series of pounding groundstrokes and the Spaniard is found wanting. Nadal 6-2 7-5 3-3 Simon
Ber-limey! Break-back-tastic! Where has this been from Simon all match? Tremendous work from the Frenchman, stepping into the Rafa returns and brutalising his way to 40-0 up, shaking off a quality Rafa serve and then punching a brilliant overhead winner to level it up in the third set. As John Lloyd points out of Five Live sports extra, Simon seems to be playing his best tennis only once he's already a break down in the set... can he reproduce it on a more consistent basis from now on? Nadal 6-2 7-5 3-2 Simon
Admirable from Simon as he does indeed dig deep to hold to 15, with a forehand winner from midcourt a reminder of the class of the Frenchman's passing shots, but it's all too tempting to assume Nadal is saving himself in the knowledge the break is already in the bag. "Taking points off Nadal is like kicking a sleeping bear sometimes."
Ryushinku on 606
Join the debate on 606 Nadal 6-2 7-5 3-1 Simon
Rafa consolidates the hold to 30 thanks to yet more brutal groundstrokes and Simon not only needs to dig deep here but also, possibly, for Nadal to eat a particularly dodgy banana in the next changeover. Nadal 6-2 7-5 2-1 Simon
Oh dear, it's pedal-to-the-metal time from Nadal again and Simon has no answer to the Spaniard's power and accuracy from the baseline. A brutal forehand return forces the error on the half-volley from the Frenchman and Nadal breaks to 15. Simon, bless 'im, looks about as happy as a six-year-old who has been told he won't be able to leave the dinner table until he has eaten all his sprouts. "Sam, I'm a Simon optimist because my man avoided the indignity of a bagel after winning his serve to love! Do I deserve to be published now? :p"
RealFrenchFan on 606
Join the debate on 606 Nadal 6-2 7-5 1-1 Simon
Hold the phone... Simon, having held so comfortably first game, piles the pressure on Nadal and spanks a forehand winner to move to 30-15 up against serve... and even after Nadal moves to game point aided by a touch volley, a cracking drop crosscourt volley brings the Frenchman to deuce and breathing down the neck of the world number one's serve. Aaaannnddd now release the phone, Nadal responds with a wonderful volley and stunning down-the-line winner to snatch the hold.
"That's the frustrating thing about Simon at times - why can't he work out that THAT is the way to play against Nadal. He has the shots but not the game at the moment..."
John Lloyd on Five Live sports extraNadal 6-2 7-5 0-1 Simon
Admirable resolve from Simon, there, as he kerplunks three winners out of four points to hold to love. SECOND SET Nadal 6-2 7-5 Simon
That's it, Nadal making the most of a newly-passive Simon approach and holding to 15 to take a two-set lead - I have to say, if the Frenchman ends up battling back and coming through this match, he really needs to get his backside down to the newsagent to buy a lottery ticket straight after because Rafa has had his blip and still Simon has not made him pay. Any Simon optimists out there?
Join the debate on 606 "Why does Nadal constantly itch his behind before every point played? You would have thought that with all the money he has earned he could afford a better fit of underwear??"
brighton72 on 606
Join the debate on 606 Nadal 6-2 6-5 Simon
Unbelievable! The game after facing down set point and looking so out of touch he could have been wearing flares, gold medallion and a 70's afro wig, Nadal comes out all guns blazing and batters down Simon's resistance in breaking to love. The Spaniard's cause is helped by a stunning 'get' from three yards behind the basline and four yards wide of the tramline and Simon is left to wonder what he has done to deserve such cruel fortune... Nadal 6-2 5-5 Simon
All of a sudden Rafael Nadal has gone from completely unplayable to all too, erm, playable. The Spaniard's timing appears to have deserted him and run off with the milkman as he allows Simon to dominate too many points and suddenly, courtesy of a backhand winner down, the world number one has to face down a break point. He does so with a crashing overhead and, after Simon goes long with a return and then tamely fires a backhand into the net, Nadal breathes a sigh of relief so loud it reverberates around the Rod Laver Arena. "Nadal is king of grass and clay ... but Simon is now making hay. Just to keep the poetic theme going..."
caxi19 on 606
Join the debate on 606 Nadal 6-2 4-5 Simon
Another hold, but this time it's a little less routine for Simon, who throws away a couple of points from 40-0 up - including a woeful overhead that he sends long - before an unreturnable serve wraps up the game. Nadal 6-2 4-4 Simon
Nadal mixes up his tactics with a serve-volley and an ace down the 'T' makes it four consecutive games without a point against serve. "Real momentum shift going on here... this could be fun."
Stuart on 606
Join the debate on 606 Nadal 6-2 3-4 Simon
Kaboom! Another service game, another hold to love and Simon wraps it up impressively with a bullet of a forehand winner down the line. Nadal 6-2 3-3 Simon
Anything Simon can do, Nadal can do better as the Spaniard rips through his service game to love and all of a sudden neither player can get near their opponent's serve. Nadal 6-2 2-3 Simon
Bish bash bosh... Simon holds to love and all of a sudden he looks the very picture of focus and determination. Nadal looks like he's been asked to babysit a particularly quarrelsome younger sibling on his birthday. Nadal 6-2 2-2 Simon
You just get the feeling Simon himself doesn't believe he can win this match, and Nadal is not a man to show mercy in such circumstances... until now. A couple of crashing rallies see Simon dominate to move to deuce from 40-15 down, and when Simon comes out on top from the best exchange of the match so far with a brilliant forehand winner, the Frenchman has break-back point, which he takes with an overhead at the net. Best game of the match so far, and does this mean we finally have a close encounter on our hands? "Nadal is looking in outstanding touch and poor Simon just can't do much."
greyblazersghost on 606
Join the debate on 606
(Ooh you're a poet and you don't know it...) "I'm probably not alone in thinking a Federer-Nadal final would be a dream, with Federer winning it in five sets. Looks like Simon agrees too!"
James C aka con via text on 81111 Nadal 6-2 2-1 Simon
Good work from Simon there as he holds to love - although Nadal appears to be in cruise control as he allows the Frenchman to settle into the set. This is not the most exciting match so far, to be fair, and the crowd are displaying all the vocal enthusiasm of a bunch of 13-year-olds being asked to sit through a poetry reading. Nadal 6-2 2-0 Simon
That's better from Simon, the Frenchman taking his returns a touch earlier in an attempt to put the pressure back on Nadal - and it works as a winner down the line and a drop volley at the net help him to 30-30 and a glimpse of an opening... But Nadal is in no mood to relinquish his dominance just yet and he holds to deuce thanks to another Simon error. "I'm in school, meant to be researching nanotechnology, but instead watching the live text. I think this F5 might get broken before the end of the lesson..."
Boro Fan in The Capital on 606
Join the debate on 606 Nadal 6-2 1-0 Simon
I tell you what, he's quite good this Rafa lad, I see a future for him in this sport... The Spaniard is brutalising the ball with immense power on the forehand side and teasing and tempting Simon with the occasional sliced backhand, and - on his second break point chance - forces the Frenchman to go wide on a return and it's advantage Nadal again at the start of this set. "Rafa seems like the kind of guy who, when he puts his mind to it, gets what he wants. It seems he's got his mind on a hard court Grand Slam title."
Rob, Oldham via text FIRST SET
"I can't believe Simon is waiting for Nadal to make mistakes here. He has covered so much of the court already, is he fit enough for it to pay off? I don't think so. And with the unforced errors he is throwing in as well, it's time for Simon to go to plan 'B'."
John Lloyd on Five Live sports extraNadal 6-2 Simon
And that's the opening set for Rafa as he wraps up a service game so dominant it almost pokes its tongue out at Simon's returns and gives the Frenchman a wedgie. "I'm gutted gutted (yes, doubly) I can't get to watch the match, even if Simon is getting hammered! I'm stuck on a train, with a mobile, and... erm... Sam... Mornin' Sam! Really nice imagery with the sweaty hands btw..."
pottiella on 606
Join the debate on 606
(I'd just like to make it clear, I'm not a train with pottiella, she's merely following my commentary on her mobile. Honest) Nadal 5-2 Simon
John Lloyd on Five Live sports extra seems to think Simon's tactic here is to slow the ball down and stay in the rallies with Nadal as long as possible - which to me sounds about as good an idea as entering an all-you-can-eat pie contest and then feeding your opponent yourself with a big ladle. Anyway, the tactic hardly pays dividends in another tough service game for Simon and Nadal punishes the Frenchman time and again in the long rallies from the baseline to break back immediately. "Make me famous please - or did you just mean that you would put my name in the live text...? That would suck."
mclaren_out on 606
(I am here to please. Erm, sort of) Nadal 4-2 Simon
Well well well, would you Adam it? Gilles Simon breaks his duck point-wise on the Nadal serve and, a double fault and an unforced error later, the Frenchman brings up break point. The world number one is pushed and pulled around the court wonderfully by Simon on the point and when the Spaniard goes long, the break is secured. And just in time for the doors of 606 to open as well! Get involved folks, I can make you famous...
Join the debate on 606 Nadal 4-1 Simon
Gilles Simon is really struggling with his two-handed backhand at the moment, and Nadal is taking full advantage by getting plenty of whip and bounce on his returns. It helps the Spaniard to two break points and even though Simon saves the first with a down-the-line winner, Nadal snaffles the double break when his opponent goes long with a forehand. Nadal 3-1 Simon
Nadal, who has yet to drop a point on serve yet, secures a hold that would only have been more comfortable if it had been wearing slippers. "Re 08:30 - not really. My mate in melbourne was just complaining the he had to walk home and it was 42 degrees!"
Anon via text
(I don't know, there's no pleasing some people...) Nadal 2-1 Simon
That's better from Simon, the Frenchman regaining his composure after practically gift-wrapping the break in that first game, serving out to 15 courtesy of some good work on the forehand side. He needed that, Simon, as did his fans who have clearly come to party - good work. Nadal 2-0 Simon
No such struggle for Nadal on his serve, as he races through a hold with all the ease of a hungry kid devouring a bogey. Nadal 1-0 Simon
If this is an indication of how the match is going to go, folks, we're in for a bit of a treat. Plenty of good work from behind the baseline from both players, Nadal whipping a couple of beautiful forehands in bringing up break point, which Simon does well to save courtesy of a big first serve. However, three more deuces - and a couple of bizarre backhand returns from Simon - later and the Frenchman is broken when he goes long. 0848: And a reminder too, folks, that you can watch this match on the red button, this website (UK users only) and also listen live on Five Live sports extra. Or you can go all new-fangled-down-with-the-kids-innit and keep track of events on this text commentary. Safe. 0845: Ask and ye shall receive Lyon - according to John Lloyd just now on Five Live sports extra, Andy Murray is only leaving Australia later this evening, having been too ill to travel before now. 0843: While the players go through their warm-ups, here's a bit of background... the pair have played each other three times, all on hard courts, with Nadal winning twice and Simon the most recent encounter at the Madrid Masters last October. Simon went on to lose the final of that tournament to Andy Murray, of course - I wonder where the Scot will be watching this match? If I were him, I do believe a cold beer would be by my side - but then I'm not a highly professional, trained athlete in the prime of my career... 0835: So, here we are - a potentially massive encounter between world number one Rafael Nadal and the sixth seed Gilles Simon, playing for the right to face Fernando Verdasco in the Australian Open semi-finals. As the players make their way out into the Rod Laver Arena - roof closed I'm reliably informed - it's fair to say there's a fairly even split of the supporters. The last time I was in this hot seat, the crowd were still lapping up the action at nearly 0300 local time between Djokovic and Baghdatis - if we get anywhere near that we'll be looking at a bit of a classic... 0830: Of course, when Bevo says "safe hands" below, what he means is the rather clammy, sweaty palms of a text commentator feeling his way into the office on a wet, cold London morning. Oh to be in Melbourne right now... 0823: And that is just about it from me... time for me to hit the hay and pass you over to Sam Lyon for that Nadal-Simon match - you are in safe hands. I'll be back later tonight, hope to see you then. 0815: Time to bring you up to date with another match from earlier on - and it's bad news for Britain I'm afraid. Lucy Shuker lost 6-1 6-2 to Ester Vergeer in the women's wheelchair singles quarter-finals. Vergeer is unbeaten since January 2003 so that was always going to be a tough nut for Shuker to crack. 0806: While we wait for the world number one, I might as well let you know the order of play for Thursday's order of play at Melbourne Park. Lots to get your teeth into: Elena Dementieva and Serena Williams don't get much of a break after their efforts in the sun earlier today - they will kick off Thursday's women's semi-finals at 0230 GMT, followed on Rod Laver Arena by the all-Russian clash between Vera Zvonareva and Dinara Safina.
However, the action for us gets under way earlier in the girls' singles. Laura Robson and Heather Watson are both out on court at 2300 GMT on Wednesday night, facing Elena Bogdan and Ksenia Pervak respectively. There's also the small matter of a men's semi-final between Andy Roddick and Roger Federer at 0830GMT - can A-Rod end his dreadful record against Fed? 0759: A superb display by Verdasco but Jo-Wilfried Tsonga was his own worst enemy at times. The 14th seed will find out soon who he meets in the last four - Nadal and Simon are due on court at the Rod Laver Arena at 0830 GMT - that match will be live on on the Red Button or on this website, or you can listen to it on BBC 5 Live sports extra. FOURTH SET Verdasco 7-6 (7-2) 3-6 6-3 6-2 Tsonga
Brilliant stuff. An ace seals Fernando Verdasco's victory and the Spaniard will play Rafael Nadal or Gilles Simon next. Verdasco 7-6 (7-2) 3-6 6-3 5-2 Tsonga
And, as if to rub that abysmal stat in, Verdasco's response is to convert his fourth break point out of four. To be fair, his returning in that game was top notch - Tsonga did not do a lot wrong there but Verdasco is about to serve for the match. "It isn't ominous, it's brilliant...high risk tennis is okay for one set but if it isn't working you need to change it up. Tsonga needs to learn that..."
Anon via text on 81111 Verdasco 7-6 (7-2) 3-6 6-3 4-2 Tsonga
Tsonga knows it is now or never to rescue this match- and gives it his all at 30-all to force another break-point. But Verdasco's banker in this match has been a wide serve into the advantage court before finishing the point with a forehand winner and it rescues him again here, not once but twice. He eventually holds with a sixth ace and poor old Tsonga has now converted just two out of 14 break points taken now. Verdasco 7-6 (7-2) 3-6 6-3 3-2 Tsonga
A couple of rare errors by Verdasco let Tsonga off the hook when he was faltering on his own serve (again). The Frenchman holds but his grimace when he glances at the scoreboard at the changeover tells its own story - he is in a big hole and has to find his way out. Verdasco 7-6 (7-2) 3-6 6-3 3-1 Tsonga
Verdasco is still using plenty of variety, in his serve and his groundstrokes, and Tsonga does not get a sniff here. He looks a bit short of ideas, to be honest. Verdasco 7-6 (7-2) 3-6 6-3 2-1 Tsonga
Tsonga is still serving well but too many of his shots are a disaster waiting to happen - Verdasco must know that, if he keeps the rally going, a mistake will come. The Frenchman holds but he is running out of time to turn this one around.
"Verdasco is in pole position now - but it has been a story of missed opportunities for Tsonga - he has converted only two of his 11 break-points and played some awful shots on some of them. Verdasco has had three break-points and taken every single one of them and that is the difference."
BBC 5 Live's Jonathan OverendVerdasco 7-6 (7-2) 3-6 6-3 2-0 Tsonga
Verdasco is turning on the style now - frustrating Tsonga further by drawing him out of his comfort zone at the back of the court. His first serve has been so consistent too...all in all, he is in very good shape. Verdasco 7-6 (7-2) 3-6 6-3 1-0 Tsonga
Big trouble for Tsonga. He falls 0-30 behind through two unforced errors and faces three more break-points after putting too much on a raking backhand. He is into the net to try to turn things round on the next point but Verdasco fires the ball straight at his feet and he has an early break in the fourth set too. This looks ominous now. THIRD SET Verdasco 7-6 (7-2) 3-6 6-3 Tsonga
The shot of the day from Tsonga - Verdasco plays a backhand that clips the netcord and wrong-foots the Frenchman. What does he do? He readjusts and plays his next shot through his legs before winning the rally. Awe inspiring stuff, honestly. But, Tsonga being Tsonga, he then puts an easy volley into the net at deuce and Verdasco serves out to win the set. Verdasco 7-6 (7-2) 3-6 5-3 Tsonga
Tsonga's in trouble again at 30-all (I seem to have written that sentence about 100 times tonight). But another big forehand keeps him ticking over and his ninth ace of the match sees him hold. Still, Verdasco will serve for the third set, next. Verdasco 7-6 (7-2) 3-6 5-2 Tsonga
A big game this for both players and it turns out to be a real battle too. We've not seen many subtle shots so far but after, a gruelling baseline rally Verdasco shows he can mix it up by dragging Tsonga into the net before finishing off the point by firing a winner almost directly at his opponent. Tsonga battles back to force two more break points but, again, he cannot finish the job and Verdasco digs deep to hold. So, if Tsonga is going to reach the semi-finals, it looks like he is going to need five sets to manage it - barring a remarkable recovery in this one. Amazingly, he has never played a five-setter in his senior career so far. Verdasco has a bit more experience at going to the distance, with 13 notched up so far - including his marathon win over Andy Murray in the last round. Verdasco 7-6 (7-2) 3-6 4-2 Tsonga
More maddening inconsistency from Tsonga takes us to 30-all but two big serves put the pressure back on Verdasco. His serve has been rock solid so far in this set...but how will he fare now. Verdasco 7-6 (7-2) 3-6 4-1 Tsonga
Well, that's one break back for Tsonga and he is suddenly looking animated again, which is good news for us, but bad news for Verdasco. The Frenchman takes the game with a superb crosscourt forehand proving my point below - when he wants to be, he is absolutely top class. Verdasco 7-6 (7-2) 3-6 4-0 Tsonga
Tsonga is not learning his lesson - still mixing the sublime with the ridiculous and failing to press home his advantage. When he wants to, he can boss this match but it is not happening for him right now and a point at deuce sums him up - he is far too casual with an overhead and, when Verdasco returns with interest, he can only volley wide. Another break for the Spaniard and he has surely got this second set in the bag now. Verdasco 7-6 (7-2) 3-6 3-0 Tsonga
Wow. Tsonga is forced so wide off a Verdasco forehand that he is practically in the first row of seats at the Rod Laver Arena but he launches himself at the ball to produce an astounding winner. That gets him to 30-all. Will he break back immediately? No, Verdasco takes the next two points to hold and he is proving that his performance to beat Andy Murray was no fluke. Verdasco 7-6 (7-2) 3-6 2-0 Tsonga
Interesting. Tsonga is a bit sloppy to let Verdasco get to 30-all and it quickly gets worse. A backhand down the line drifts wide to hand the Spaniard a very rare break-point and another Tsonga error - a crosscourt forehand which loops into the opposite tramline - give the 14th seed the advantage in the third set. Verdasco 7-6 (7-2) 3-6 1-0 Tsonga
A spot of bother for Verdasco, as he lets a 30-0 lead slip to 30-all. But he gets that punishing forehand into gear again to hold, moving Tsonga around the court and drawing the errors on the next two points. SECOND SET Verdasco 7-6 (7-2) 3-6 Tsonga
Can he see this one out? Of course he can. Three big serves by Tsonga put him 40-0 up and when Ferdasco puts a forehand into the net, we are all-square in what is turning into a very tight quarter-final. The Spaniard scampers off court for a quick break but the third set will start very soon. Verdasco 7-6 (7-2) 3-5 Tsonga
Verdasco is still plugging away and he holds without too much trouble but the real crunch game is the next one - Tsonga will serve for the second set next.
"The Frenchman has a new spring in his step now and you feel this match could go the distance."
BBC 5 Live's Alastair EykynVerdasco 7-6 (7-2) 2-5 Tsonga
I can't help but ponder how Andy Murray would have fared against Tsonga if he had got past Verdasco in the last round. That would have been an intriguing clash of styles - these two are both power-merchants slugging it out from the back of the court and the lack of variety in the rallies is a bit frustrating at times. Having said that, it is very difficult to take your eyes of Tsonga - he is in control of this second set and strutting around so much that it is easy to forget he is a set down. Verdasco 7-6 (7-2) 2-4 Tsonga
A moment of madness from Verdasco. He looks certain to save Tsonga's sixth break-point of the match but instead swats wildly at an easy volley, sending it flying a mile wide and long. The Frenchman has his break at last and has his nose in front in this second set too. Verdasco 7-6 (7-2) 2-3 Tsonga
Tsonga's first love service game, which is a surprise to me, given how potent his serve has been. He seems to have recovered from that little dip in form and has stopped arguing with his racquet too. Verdasco 7-6 (7-2) 2-2 Tsonga
The Verdasco serve is such a weapon when he gets it right - he puts Tsonga where he wants him on the court before finishing him off - which is exactly what he does here. Verdasco 7-6 (7-2) 1-2 Tsonga
Another quick-fire hold for Tsonga, who is still making mistakes but, crucially, is making more winners. He holds, again.
"With the roof closed, it is cooler now inside the Rod Laver Arena but, outside, the temperature is still right up there - when you walk about you are hit by a wall of heat and it is difficult enough to stumble about without attempting to play top-class tennis.."
BBC 5 Live's Alastair EykynVerdasco 7-6 (7-2) 1-1 Tsonga
Tsonga must be reading this - a far more resilient approach to the Verdasco serve succeeds in bringing errors out of the Spaniard, and he fashions two more break chances. They both come and go, however, and he must start taking his chances soon. Verdasco 7-6 (7-2) 0-1 Tsonga
Tsonga needs a good start to the second set but he has definitely dipped since seeing those chances to break come and go midway through the first set. At 30-all he is in a spot of bother but Verdasco fails with an ambitious drop-shot and then puts a backhand into the net to help his opponent hold. The Frenchman still needs to up his game though. FIRST SET Verdasco 7-6 (7-2) Tsonga
Verdasco gets the early mini-break in the tie-break and his tenacious approach is paying dividends right now - he is getting back everything Tsonga can throw at him and is quickly 4-1 in front. An audacious backhand cross-court lob lands inside the line to extend his advantage and, at 5-2, he has two serves for the first set. Another outswinging serve into the right-hand court puts Tsonga on the brink and, when he nets his next return, Verdasco can celebrate. A great start for the 14th seed. Verdasco 6-6 Tsonga
Tsonga is still making the big shots on his own serve, however. He holds and we are into a tie-break to decide this first set.
Verdasco 6-5 Tsonga
Another hold to love for Verdasco - Tsonga is fiddling with his strings at every opportunity but it does not seem to be doing him much good. The Frenchman flings his racquet to the ground at the changeover to demonstrate his current black mood. Verdasco 5-5 Tsonga
Tsonga could not hit a return for toffee in that last Verdasco service game but he is not having any trouble with his own serve - a fourth ace of the match giving him a quick-fire hold. Verdasco 5-4 Tsonga
Not the greatest game by Tsonga, who has some serious words with his racquet after sending a scudding backhand about a mile long, and he does not get even a sniff of a break this time. Verdasco 4-4 Tsonga
Tsonga's turn to have a couple of problems on serve as he goes 0-30 down. But they don't last long - he wins the next four points, including a sublime stooping backhand volley, and we are level again. As you were... Verdasco 4-3 Tsonga
Hmmm, more mistakes by Verdasco on serve hand Tsonga three more chance to break but that outswinging serve rescues him again, dragging the Frenchman out of position and opening up the court each time for a crisp forehand winner. Cracking stuff and it means the first set is still going with serve.
"These two have never met before but they both hit the ball with a fearsome thump. It's shaping up to be a great match."
BBC 5 Live's Alastair EykynVerdasco 3-3 Tsonga
Pure power and aggression from Tsonga - his attacking tennis is great to watch, unless you are on the receiving end on the other side of the net of course. He is racking up the winners with his forehand, as you might expect. Verdasco 3-2 Tsonga
Ooh. A first wobble for Verdasco, who looks in control at 30-0 but is dragged back to 30-all after a couple of sloppy shots and then faces a break-point after an instinctive - and quite brilliant - lob by Tsonga lands inside the baseline. The Frenchman remonstrates to himself after a wayward slice drops into the bottom of the net on the next point, however, and is just as unhappy when he volleys wide from a good position on deuce. That's the chance gone too, because a booming Verdasco forehand sees him hold. This one is beginning to get going... Verdasco 2-2 Tsonga
Tsonga had two double-faults in his first service game and, again, this one is a bit of a struggle at first. He needs one of those trademark forehands to get to 30-all before finally waking up - another wicked forehand is followed by a typically flamboyant slam-dunk smash and we are all-square - great stuff! Verdasco 2-1 Tsonga
Well, Verdasco's serve didn't take long to find its groove - Tsonga does not manage to get a point this time. Just to remind you, this is the first of two France v Spain quarter-final clashes of the day - world number one Rafael Nadal takes on Gilles Simon in the floodlit match from 0830 GMT - UK viewers can watch that one on the Red Button or on this website, or listen to it on BBC 5 Live sports extra. Verdasco 1-1 Tsonga
Not the most convincing of holds from Tsonga, who struggles a bit with his serve and he is clearly not firing on all cylinders yet, but he still levels. Both men still feeling their way into this one... Verdasco 1-0 Tsonga
I'm sure you don't need me to remind you that Verdasco beat Andy Murray in the last round. The key to the Spaniard's win over the British number one was a huge serve and even bigger forehand and both are in evidence here as he holds in the first game. 0506: We're under way. Verdasco to serve first. The roof is still closed by the way. Oh, and here's a couple of differing views on Serena's hopes after her quarter-final victory. She will play Elena Dementieva in the semi-final. Two more Russians; Vera Zvonareva and Dinara Safina complete the last four.
"Serena has by far the most experience of the four women's semi-finalist. But she is not playing her best tennis and got a bit lucky today when Kuznetsova missed that volley to save a break point at the end of the second set. That was probably the moment Serena realised she was going to go on and win the match."
BBC Sport commentator Chris Bailey "You know I hate to say I told you so. Serena is unstoppable in this form. Serena for the title! What will happen to the no.1 spot after this tournament?"
Andy in Portsmouth, via text on 81111 I THINK either Dinara Safina or Elena Dementieva will become number one if they win the title. But I'll try to check that for you Andy... 0455: What a cracking match that was. More drama than an Eastenders omnibus. And even more to come too - starting with fifth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga against Fernando Verdasco in the next few moments...they are just arriving on court at the Rod Laver Arena now. 0445: A great comeback that by Serena but Kuznetsova certainly had her chances and having the roof closed when she was a set down undoubtedly helped the American. "I was in a lot of trouble but I just had to relax," Serena says in her on-court interview afterwards. "Before they shut the roof, it was so hot, I was having an out of body experience."
"Serena will be feeling like she got out of jail in that second set. The fire is back in her eyes and she could run away with this one in the third set."
BBC Sport commentator Chris BaileyTHIRD SET Serena 5-7 7-5 6-1 Kuznetsova
Kuz cannot be accused of rolling over but Serena's victory was almost inevitable and she seals it in style with a booming serve down the centre of the court. She flings her towel into the crowd and marches off court after booking a semi-final against Elena Dementieva. Never in doubt! Serena 5-7 7-5 5-1 Kuznetsova
Oh dear. Even Kuz's forehand is letting her down, after being pretty tasty until now. Her serve is faltering, too, with two doubles here and her backhand is drooping as well. Serena? She's going from strength to strength. She breaks again and is one game from a place in the last four. She serves for the match next. Serena 5-7 7-5 4-1 Kuznetsova
One final throw of the dice from Kuz? An awesome effort gets her to 15-40 but Serena responds in typical fashion, putting a couple of booming forehands right on to the baseline before eventually holding. She's still only one break up in the third set but victory is in sight.
"The game has definitely turned here since the end of the second set - Kuznetsova's game is deteriorating with the knowledge her best chance has gone, although she is fighting on."
BBC 5 Live's Alastair EykynSerena 5-7 7-5 3-1 Kuznetsova
If Serena is a runaway train, then Kuz has come off the rails. Completely. Her timing is completely out as Serena zooms to 0-40 and, although a timely challenge helps the Russian back to 30-40, she puts a routine volley into the net and the second seed is a break up in the deciding set. Her roar of delight shows how much it means to her. Serena 5-7 7-5 2-1 Kuznetsova
Ha, Serena makes it so easy at times - one whipped forehand winner into the corner looked almost effortless, but was actually inspired. She holds to love and is looking very cool and composed at the changeover. Kuz has got to try to work out how to stop her. Serena 5-7 7-5 1-1 Kuznetsova
Phew, that was almost the end for Kuz. But she saves a break-point and then produces a huge backhand winner before eventually holding. Serena is still flying but the Russian is not quitting yet. "Players like Serena and Federer don't win that many slams by wimping out. Are you watching Novak? "
Anon, via text on 81111 I'm willing to bet that he isn't... Serena 5-7 7-5 1-0 Kuznetsova
Serena starts the third set like she ended the second one - which is a bit like a runaway train. She holds to love. What has Kuz got in the locker? SECOND SET Serena 5-7 7-5 Kuznetsova
Hmmm. I wouldn't like to be in Kuz's shoes right now. She wilts under the pressure and is broken again - Serena has the second set in the bag and, with the match level, is full of beans and looking very dangerous indeed.
"Serena will be feeling like she got out of jail in that second set. The fire is back in her eyes and she could run away with this one in the third set."
BBC Sport commentator Chris BaileySerena 5-7 6-5 Kuznetsova
The roof has made such a difference to this match - neither player looked capable of punching their way out of a paper bag when they were playing under the sun...the +40C temperatures probably had a lot to do with that! No moths to be seen either, and the result is some ferocious tennis - Serena takes this one but they are smashing each other to pieces from the back of the court. Serena 5-7 5-5 Kuznetsova
No she can't. A weak second serve at 15-30 is clinically despatched by Serena and, although an ace keeps Kuz alive, she sends a volley wide on the next point and the second seed breaks back to level the second set. Serena 5-7 4-5 Kuznetsova
No danger of Serena rolling over though. She slams down some big serves to force Kuz to serve this one out. Can she see it through? We are about to find out... Serena 5-7 3-5 Kuznetsova
Serena is giving everything but will it be enough? A dramatic rally at 30-all ends when the American sees a looping forehand land the wrong side of the tramline and a brave Kuz overhead from the back of the court sees her hold and move to within one game of what would be an amazing win. Serena 5-7 3-4 Kuznetsova
Wow. It is Serena who cracks first. Some barnstorming groundstrokes from Kuz finally come off and a blistering crosscourt backhand winner gives the Russian three break-points. The second seed saves two of them with some typically aggressive tennis but she can only find the net when she comes in to try to finish off a one-sided rally on the next point. Kuz is two games from victory and becoming the fourth Russian into the women's semi-finals. Serena 5-7 3-3 Kuznetsova
You guessed it...Kuz replies in similar style - holding to love. Not sure how long both of them can keep this up but the quality of play, on serve, is exceptional at the moment. Serena 5-7 3-2 Kuznetsova
A real blink-and-you-miss-it game from Serena - her serve is almost completely dominant. Breaking Kuz is a different matter, however. Serena 5-7 2-2 Kuznetsova
Blimey. Both players are throwing everything at this - and a huge point at 30-all sees both of them in at the net before Kuznetsova puts away a forehand into the corner. A big serve helps her hold out but something has got to give soon, from one of them, surely? Serena 5-7 2-1 Kuznetsova
An easy hold in the end for Serena, to love, but Kuz is going for everything at the moment and her confidence has clearly not been affected by the enforced break. Serena 5-7 1-1 Kuznetsova
Kuz is flying at the start of her service game and overpowers Serena on a couple of occasions - not often you say or write that. But then mistakes creep into her game, including a fourth double fault of the match, and, although she holds, it is a bit of a battle. "All you need to know is that, if Serena plays as well as she can, she will win for sure!"
Andy in Portsmouth, via text on 81111 Serena 5-7 1-0 Kuznetsova
Well, the quality is immediately a lot higher in this first game under the roof. The rallies are a lot longer too and Kuz puts the pressure on to reach 15-30 with some huge shots from the back of the court. Serena responds in kind and an ace puts her 40-30 up before holding when the Russian fires a backhand long. 0328: "Can Serena make a comeback? Any thoughts?"
Anon, via text on 81111 Well, she certainly looks a lot more energetic in this warm-up than she did at any point in the first set. This one isn't over by a long way but I bet Kuz is glad she has a set head start. 0326: Serena and Kuznetsova are back out - looking refreshed, I might add. We will resume shortly, with the Russian needing one more set for victory. 0323: The roof on Rod Laver Arena is still creaking shut so Serena and Kuznetsova will not be back out for a little while yet.
"The players went off court because the roof takes a little while to shut. It is blessed relief for the poor spectators but this will have a huge effect on the match because it effectively becomes an indoor game. Serena didn't cope with the conditions as well as Kuznetsova and the roof being closed may play into the hands "
BBC Sport commentator Chris Bailey0320: I didn't see a single shot of Heather Watson's win but BBC 5 Live's David Law did. He has just got back from Court 21 where he saw her complete her victory.
"That's a really brave win. She was almost out on her feet, journalists were dashing in and out to watch 10-minute chunks, but she hung in there and showed real fight in truly horrible conditions. To put it into perspective, these two girls were still going when Serena Williams' match was suspended due to heat, and Watson is only 16. I'm a bit at a loss to understand why she wasn't wearing a visor or cap but good on her."
BBC 5 Live's David Law0316: And Watson has done it. Britain has two girls into the last eight of the girls' singles after she breaks Miyabi Inoue to seal a battling three-set win. The Guernsey teenager will face third seed Ksenia Pervak of Russia next.
Result: Watson 7-6 4-6 6-4 Inoue0310: It's got to be the right decision to close the roof - Serena and Kuznetsova were suffering out there. But the players on the outside courts will not benefit from cooler conditions, and they include Britain's Heather Watson in the girls' singles. She is just one game away from a place in the last eight but Japan's Miyabi Inoue is serving to stay alive at 4-5 in the deciding set.
Latest: Watson 7-6 4-6 5-4 InoueFIRST SET Serena 5-7 Kuznetsova
I was right, this time Kuz does not allow the American to break back and she wraps up the first set. We've just found out there will be a break of up to 30 minutes while they close the roof on the Rod Laver Arena - the 'extreme heat' rule is finally being implemented. Kuznetsova is livid - she wants to carry on - but the crowd greets the announcement with a cheer because they have been melting all day.
Better news for Heather, I'm pleased to say. She's just broken back and it is 3-3 in the third set. Serena 5-6 Kuznetsova
It's not long before Kuz is smiling again though. Serena is still looking out of sorts and, although she saves a couple of break-points, the Russian's persistence gets her reward and she will have another go at serving for this first set. I bet she does better this time...
Drat. Bad news for Heather, I'm afraid. She's just been broken by Inoue, who leads 6-7 6-4 3-2. Serena 5-5 Kuznetsova
Serena is not about to give this first set away, however, she raises her game to get to 15-40 and Kuz plonks a limp backhand into the net on the next point to concede the game. Chance gone. We're all square again, folks.
I haven't forgotten about Heather Watson (or Heather Graham for that matter). The British teenager's third set with Miyabi Inoue is going with serve so far at 2-2. Serena 4-5 Kuznetsova
Phew. Talk about picking the right moment to strike. Kuz sustains the power game and blows Serena away - hitting a series of clean winners as she breaks to love. The Russian will serve for the first set next - If I had a Russian-Up graphic, I would be using it now. Either that, or a kettle... Serena 4-4 Kuznetsova
Kuz posts a big improvement, also, with her forehand firing at full power at last. The action still seems to be proceeding in slow-motion, however, neither players is covering much of the court and they don't appear to be chasing down many shots either. Serena 4-3 Kuznetsova
The sun is certainly sapping the players and also seems to have affected the fans - the Rod Laver Arena is half-empty...still plenty of moths around though. This is better from Serena, though. and some welcome power-play sees her hold with ease. "It's so surreal to watch players with ice packs and to hear about the problems of extreme heat, whilst I am shivering under a massive duvet"
Sophie, via text on 81111 Yeah, the sun isn't causing us as many problems in Shepherds Bush...in fact, due to my nocturnal routine during this tournament, I don't think I've seen it for almost two weeks. Serena 3-3 Kuznetsova
Kuz is also finding it difficult on serve - the sweltering heat means this match is all about mistakes at the moment and is not great to watch. Still, the Russian holds to level the match.
Heather Watson and Miyabi Inoue had a 10-minute break at the end of the second set but they are back out on Court 21 now, and the decider is going with serve. Serena 3-2 Kuznetsova
Another struggle for Serena and, although she holds, she looks at her racquet with disdain at the changeover. Kuznetsova has a sniff of another break at deuuce and, if she can find any consistency, she will feel this match is there for the taking.
"Kuznetsova looks in great shape - she is moving really well out there at the moment."
BBC 5 Live's Alastair EykynSerena 2-2 Kuznetsova
Anything Serena can do, Kuz can do, er, worse. She retreats back into her shell and the big groundstrokes which brought her joy in the previous game are nowhere to be seen. Serena takes full advantage to level the match. Serena 1-2 Kuznetsova
Ouch. That was a terrible game from Serena - Kuz seems to have worked out her serve, which is lacking a bit of a zip right now. Is she conserving energy? Seems a bit counter-productive to me, but it's easy to say that having just seen her broken by the Russian.
Inoue has just levelled her match with Britain's Heather Watson, taking the second set 6-4. No pictures of that one but the third, and deciding set, looks like being another battle. Serena 1-1 Kuznetsova
Kuznetsova will also be happy with that though. Again, Serena gets some joy when she goes for straight winners but the Russian is off the mark too. Serena 1-0 Kuznetsova
A solid enough start by Serena - a couple of big Kuz returns see her pick up a couple of points but otherwise some big serves see the American through.
"Serena has been a bit patchy form-wise and has not been particularly convincing. It will be fascinating to see how she gets on today and she could have her hands full as Kuznetsova is in decent form."
BBC Sport commentator Chris Bailey Oh, and apologies for referring to Heather Watson as Heather Graham just now, and thanks to those of you on 81111 who spotted it. At least I didn't throw in a picture of a kettle this time...(see 0047) 0213: Three-time Australian Open champion Serena Williams to serve first. We are about to get under way.
0203: "Three Russians out of three in the semi-finals of the women's tournament so far after a straightforward win for Dementieva. Another Russian to play next - Kuznetsova -against Serena...can she make it four out of four?"
BBC 5 Live's Alastair Eykyn
Serena and Kuznetsova are out on court. Watson has just been broken and trails 2-4 in the second set.
0157: The second set of Watson-Inoue is at 2-2 and going with serve. Here is 5 Live's David Law with more on the 15-year-old Channel Islander.
"Just gone out to watch a bit more. Managed 12 minutes this time. Watson has a nice, fluid double-handed backhand, doesn't make mistakes, and she basically let the opponent beat herself in the Tie- Break. Interviewed her after her win yesterday for BBC Radio Guernsey. Thought she was a very nice girl with a good attitude.."
BBC 5 Live's David Law0154: So Dementieva, who had never previously been past the fourth round here in 10 attempts, is into the semi-finals. She hurls what must be a particularly sweaty towel into the crowd on Rod Laver Arena and makes her exit. Next up on court are second seed Serena Williams and Svetlana Kuznetsova - the winner of that one plays Dementieva in the last four. 0149: A final flourish from Navarro, who has enjoyed a remarkable tournament in her first appearance in the main draw at Melbourne Park. Some trademark booming forehands get the unseeded Spaniard to 30-all but her next one flies long and Dementieva tidies things up with a stinging serve to seal her progress..
Result: Navarro 2-6 2-6 Dementieva Thanks to Mike via text on 81111 who tells me that Pervak has already thrashed Gumulya 6-2 6-1 so, should she win, Watson will face the number three seed next. Mike also wants to know if anybody fancies an all-British final in the girls' singles - with Heather and Laura in opposite halves of the draw, it could happen... 0146: Well, the Spaniard is hanging on. She serves out easily enough but I cannot help thinking that Dementieva was happy to let that game go - she knows she will serve for the second set next.
Latest: Navarro 2-6 2-5 Dementieva 0142: Navarro is battling on out there - her face is now the same colour as Dementieva's bright orange dress - but the Russian is still in control. She comes into the net at deuce to put away another stylish drive volley and quickly wraps up another hold. Just one more game needed now....
Latest: Navarro 2-6 1-5 Dementieva
"Dementieva has never won a Grand Slam but she might be ready now. The biggest recent improvement in her game by a long way is her serve. Whether it retains its composure in a GS final remains to be seen but it is the biggest reason why she has got so far in this tournament."
BBC Sport commentator Chris Bailey
0136: Get in. That's the first set in the bag for Heather - she polished off that tie-break 7-1. If she gets through, Watson will play either Beatrice Gumulya of Indonesia or third seed Ksenia Pervak of Russia in the last eight. 0131: A quick-fire hold by Dementieva is followed by another break, thanks to a sublime forehand drive volley. She is well on top now and just two games away from a place in the semi-finals.
Latest: Navarro 2-6 1-4 Dementieva
David Law of 5 Live fame has just left the comfort of the commentary box to brave the heat and the moths at Melbourne Park to check on Heather Watson's progress. Her first set against Japan's Miyab Inoue is into a tie-break.
"I don't know how they are playing in this - I have just walked out to watch her for ten minutes. Admittedly I was minus a cap and my fitness by comparison is laughable, but I couldn't stand more than ten minutes just standing out there, let alone running after a ball."
BBC 5 Live's David Law0125: Dementieva is still attacking the Spaniard's serve - she wants to finish this one off as quickly as possible, probably so she can climb back inside that fridge. Navarro holds easily enough, though, as the Russian is very wild with her returns. Meanwhile, Heather Watson is at 5-5 with Inoue in the first set and still battling on in the first set.
Latest: Navarro 2-6 1-2 Dementieva0120: A decent response by Navarro but she has got to start taking her chances - a couple more break-points go begging here and Dementieva holds out to extend her lead. The Russian is not playing brilliantly but her forehand is solid and she is doing enough at the moment to hold off Navarro, the sun...and those pesky moths.
Latest: Navarro 2-6 0-2 Dementieva
"The roof is open on the Rod Laver Arena which has amazed a few people here today. But they only close it if there is a combination of humidity and heat - and it is a really dry heat at the moment so the players will just have to do their best. It means that the players that haven't done enough fitness work in the off-season will be suffering."
BBC Sport commentator Chris Bailey0114: The break does not seem to have done Navarro much good - a couple of stinging returns by Dementieva and she is a break to the good already.
Latest: Navarro 2-6 0-1 Dementieva 0113: Dementieva is back on court and the second set is under way. There seems to be something of a moth infestation on Rod Laver Court so, not only are the players bravely battling the ridiculous temperatures, they also have to put up with giant insects flying into their faces. And I usually moan if there is a bit of a breeze when I'm playing... 0111: "Dear Chris, is the live feed for Nadal v Simon match only starting at 8.30 or if the other matches finish earlier, will it start early?"
Joe in Manchester, via text on 81111 Hi Joe. Nadal-Simon is the night match so it won't start before 0830 GMT - did I tell you that UK viewers can watch Nadal v Simon on the Red Button or on this website, or listen to it on BBC 5 Live sports extra. 0108: Oh, not great news for Heather Watson, who has just been broken back by Inoue - that one is now 4-4 in the first set on Court 21. We are still waiting for Dementieva to re-appear by the way - she has probably climbed into the nearest fridge to try to cool down. 0104: Both players are really struggling in the heat but Dementieva has the first set in the bag thanks to a couple of rasping forehands. Both players are going to head off-court for a few minutes - to get a cold shower and a change of clothes, I'd imagine. Navarro, in particular, looks like she is melting out there.
Latest: Navarro 2-6 Dementieva "(See 0047) An understandable error Chris! I frequently go to make a cuppa tea and find myself trying to pour boiling water from my Robson poster. They look so alike!"
Mike, via text on 81111 0058: That's more like it. No hanging around for Navarro on serve - she fires down a couple of big deliveries and some wild returning by Dementieva gives the world number 46 another game. Might be a bit late to save this first set though.
Latest: Navarro 2-5 Dementieva 0055: Wow. An absolute marathon of a game on the Dementieva serve sees her serve four double faults and save five break-points. After a 11th deuce, she finally holds. It has only taken her 20 minutes too.
Latest: Navarro 1-5 Dementieva
Heather Watson is under way against Miyabi Inoue of Japan. The girl from Guernsey has just broken to lead 3-2 in the first set.
0047: "The heat out there on Rod Laver Arena is fearsome - today is the start of the hottest week in a century in Melbourne and temperatures of 40C are expected for the next four days."
BBC 5 Live's Alistair Eykyn
I've just realised that I used a picture of a kettle rather than one of Laura Robson at 0032 - an easy mistake to make... 0034: Much better from Navarro, who rolls out a couple of those big forehand winners that saw her shock Venus Williams in round two to claw her way to deuce. She has to save a break-point with a big serve but comes through and she is off the mark at last.
Latest: Navarro 1-4 Dementieva 0032: Laura Robson will be back on court in a few hours by the way - her and Anna Orlik of Belarus are in the third round of the girls' doubles, where they meet Robbo's great rival Noppawan Lertcheewakam of Thailand (who she beat in the Wimbledon final last year) and Beatrice Gumulya of Indonesia. "Well done Robson."
'bluediamond' 606er off to bed, via text on 81111 0028: Dementieva has dropped just two points so far and Navarro is currently all over the place. The Russian holds, to love, and has an iron grip on this first set.
Latest: Navarro 0-4 Dementieva 0024: And no sooner have I written that, than Norfolk quickly wraps up a resounding 6-4 6-1 victory. Navarro is having a bit of a nightmare by the way - she has been broken again, although she did pick up a point this time, and trails Dementieva 3-0.
Latest: Navarro 0-3 Dementieva
0022: More good news from a British point of view - Peter Norfolk is on the brink of victory in his Quad Wheelchair round-robin match against Johan Andersson of Sweden. Norfolk leads 6-4 6-1. 0019: A cracking start by Dementieva, that. She breaks Navarro to love in the first game - the Russian won 10 straight games to wrap up her fourth round match with Dominika Cibulkova and there is no stopping her right now. 0013: That's it. It's all over - and Laura Robson completes another convincing win. Heather Watson is out on Court 21 next.
Result: Robson 6-4 6-2 Djiric
0011: That looks like a typical Robbo response to me, though...she breaks back immediately and is now serving for the match. Dementieva and Suarez Navarro are still warming up.
Latest: Robson 6-4 5-2 Djiric
0009: Er, shows what I know.Silvia Njiric gets one break back, and is serving at 2-4 in the second set.
Latest: Robson 6-4 4-2 Djiric0005: The players are coming out on the Rod Laver Arena for the first women's quarter-final of the day. Can world number 46 Carla Suarez Navarro continue her remarkable progress and reach the last four? We are about to find out - her match with fourth seed Elena Dementieva starts in the next few minutes. Over on Court 21, Djiric holds at last to stop the rot but she has got an awful lot of work to do to stop Robson now.
Latest: Robson 6-4 4-1 Djiric
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