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By Caroline Cheese
1109: Mats Wilander and Pat Cash are coming down the tunnel now for a veterans match - a repeat of the 1988 final won by the Swede in five sets. Cashy tries to trip Mats as they approach Rod Laver Arena. Aah, lovely stuff. There'll be much more of that japery I should imagine - but I won't be here to see it I'm afraid. See you tomorrow...
1106: Nadal v Verdasco begins at 0830 GMT tomorrow. UK people can watch that via the usual means: Red Button and on this website. You can listen on BBC 5 Live sports extra and read right here.
1104: "I heard Rod Laver is around today. I hope I get a chance to see him. It's nice to play on his court, something special for me." Roger Federer
1101: "I thought I did well. Conditions were hot. I'm happy to be through because the match was tough physically. I'm sure I'm going to watch the other semi-final tomorrow. It's exciting to see two great shotmakers. Rafa has an incredible record against fellow Spaniards so I expect him to win." Roger Federer
1059: "A solid win by Fed that. As well as Roddick played at times Fed never looked threatened IMHO. Roddick seems to get in a good position and then run out of ideas." barrystar on 606 Join the debate on 606
1057: I make that Federer's 18th Grand Slam final and his fourth at Melbourne Park. He awaits the winner of tomorrow's semi-final between Rafa Nadal and Fernando Verdasco. You'd expect the world number one to come through that one, but this is the Australian Open...
1054: Two hours and seven minutes that took. Great effort from Roddick, but Federer was too good - for the 16th time in 18 meetings between these two. The American gets a very warm ovation for the Rod Laver Arena as he trudges off.
Federer 6-2 7-5 7-5 Roddick Federer is five for five on his HawkEye challenges tonight - unheard of for him. He rifles a forehand winner crosscourt before Roddick's lob drops long to give Federer two match points. He swings one more trademark forehand down the line and that's that.
Federer 6-2 7-5 6-5 Roddick Roddick has started throwing everything at Federer - but it's coming right back. Roddick goes too deep with an approach and that's two break points. He saves one with a clever wrong-footing forehand and the second with a big serve and winning backhand. He sees off a third - this time by putting away a volley - but Fed earns a fourth when Roddick plays an awful drop shot - at least I think that's what it was. He can't perform a miracle this time. He sits at his chair, sweat pouring off his cap. You've got to feel for him. Fed will serve for the match and a place in the final
Federer 6-2 7-5 5-5 Roddick A small victory for Roddick as he wins the first point, forcing Federer to go wide with a volley. The world number two bangs down a big first serve - which is called out, but is miles in according to HawkEye. Roddick waves at the lineman to make sure he's awake. No question that the American is still on the ball. He rocks Fed with some huge groundstrokes to make it 15-30 but he goes just wide on a return and Fed survives.
1038: "Roddick's just getting warmed up... giving the Fed a head start. He likes a good fight!" Donna via text on 81111
Federer 6-2 7-5 4-5 Roddick The fat lady seems to be warming her vocal chords as Roddick slumps to 0-30 but Federer nets a fairly simple return before the American wins the next two points to make it 40-30. A tame backhand takes us to deuce but Roddick holds his nerve well to put away a defensive lob.
Federer 6-2 7-5 4-4 Roddick Quick as you like from Federer and that again piles the pressure on Roddick. We're yet to see a classic men's match at this Aussie Open. I'm wondering if - indeed hoping - this is Wimbledon 2008 all over again and they're saving it all for the final.
1032: "Can't help but like A-Rod. Pure entertainment when he's winning or losing. He is winning the battle with the chair umpire at least." guinness_no1 on 606 Join the debate on 606
Federer 6-2 7-5 3-4 Roddick I think I just saw Roddick anticipate a Federer pass and put the volley away. Unbelievable.
Federer 6-2 7-5 3-3 Roddick Federer has started almost every service game with a big serve out wide and it's worked almost every time. Has Roddick started second-guessing? No. An easy hold to 15.
Federer 6-2 7-5 2-3 Roddick Federer tempts Roddick into the net before dispatching the pass to make it 0-30. Another dreadful approach shot allows Fed the chance to pass - one he grabs with glee. Two break points, but he can't take either, overcooking a routine backhand on the second. Roddick gets a warning for an audible obscenity as his first double fault of the match makes it a second deuce. He gets to game point with a backhand slice drop shot, of which Federer would be proud. He shares a laugh with his support camp before banging down a big serve. Brave stuff.
Federer 6-2 7-5 2-2 Roddick You have to take your hat off to A-Rod. He nails a backhand down the line to make it deuce. The words "What can Roddick do here?" are barely out of Sam Smith's mouth when Federer delivers an ace out wide. Roddick gets back to deuce again and produces a decent approach shot but Fed still manages to thread a backhand pass down the line. Roddick actually manages to put away a volley to make it deuce for a third time but an 11th ace from Fed breaks Roddick's heart.
Federer 6-2 7-5 1-2 Roddick Bish bash bosh. A hold to love. Roddick has another little set-to with umpire Eric Molina as the American asks whether his serve was close to the line - but gets only a smile in response. "Words are good," says Roddick as he passes the chair before carrying on in the same vein for a good minute. "I get the point," replies Molina when he is finally allowed to get a word in edgeways.
1008: "Roddick has got a great heart. The only time I've seen him give up mentally was against Federer here two years ago. Normally he will try every single point and just keep putting himself on the line. He's a hustler." BBC analyst John Lloyd
Federer 6-2 7-5 1-1 Roddick Roddick utters what I think is described as an "audible obscenity" as another shot goes awry. "Come on Andy! you can do this!" says Laliga as hope springs eternal on 606, but Federer is barely breaking sweat out there.
Federer 6-2 7-5 0-1 Roddick According to the BBC's Sam Smith, Roddick has come back from two sets down twice in his career. I'm willing to bet a lot of money that he won't make it a hat-trick tonight. Still, he seems to have calmed down a bit and is back on track.
Federer 6-2 7-5 Roddick Roddick still fuming about giving up the break and he barely puts up any resistance as Fed serves out to love. Let's hope Del Potro wasn't watching that.
1000: "Federer knows he'll get a second chance at a pass every time because Roddick just cannot put volleys away. That's something Roddick's coach Larry Stefanki has to work on." BBC analyst John Lloyd
Federer 6-2 6-5 Roddick Roddick digs himself a big hole with a disastrous drop-volley attempt which doesn't even reach the net and then finds himself 0-40 down when Fed fires a forehand pass down the line. Roddick crumbles with a forehand into the net. Huge disappointment that. As he goes to sit down, A-Rod looks as if he let the racquet have it but resists.
Federer 6-2 5-5 Roddick Roddick flips a lovely forehand return down the line to take the first point and shows good pace to get to a drop shot on the next but can't control the racquet. Few big serves later and Fed holds to 15.
Federer 6-2 4-5 Roddick Juan Martin del Potro - who basically gave up against Fed the other day - could learn a lot from Roddick today. The American was completely outplayed in the first set but has dug in impressively in the second.
0948: "If I was on the other side of the net to Federer when he's playing like this I'd demote myself to ball-boy." yummymummyfridays on 606 Join the debate on 606
Federer 6-2 4-4 Roddick Brilliant movement from Roddick at the back of the court, running back and forth before coming up with a crunching forehand pass. That's 30-30, but Federer slams the door emphatically with an ace and an unreturnable first serve.
0945: "If Roddick can get to a tiebreak, you just never know. He's doing his job now. He's at 75% on first serve which is staggering. A lot of credit to him for hanging in here." BBC analyst John Lloyd
Federer 6-2 3-4 Roddick I'm starting to close my eyes whenever Roddick plays an approach shot. Fed rifles a forehand down the line to take the first point, but Roddick hits back to win four in a row.
Federer 6-2 3-3 Roddick Federer delivers his 13th forehand winner of the night, finding the angle where none seemed available. Roddick goes long with a backhand and it's as you were. I've had a couple of texts asking why Laura Robson's girls' doubles quarter-final was a walkover. I don't know, but her partner Anna Orlik lost her singles quarter-final 6-1 6-0 earlier today, so maybe she's still in hiding...
Federer 6-2 2-3 Roddick A second love service game for Roddick, who is focusing on holding serve and at least getting to a tiebreak.
Federer 6-2 2-2 Roddick Federer sprays a forehand into the trams to gift Roddick a point but that is as good as it gets. Classic final point from the world number two, Roddick looking to sneak into the net but Fed just calmly slicing the backhand down the line - making his opponent look very silly indeed.
Federer 6-2 1-2 Roddick From 30-30, Roddick fires a fifth ace and an unreturnable first serve to close out the game. Few more games like that will do him the world of good.
0930: "There are only two people at present capable of reading Federer's game and beating him. One is on his way back to Britain the other will probably meet him in the final." Britain's One & Only on 606 Join the debate on 606
Federer 6-2 1-1 Roddick Easy. Federer dispatches a smash to hold to love in double quick time. That puts the pressure right back on Roddick.
Federer 6-2 0-1 Roddick Fed stands on the baseline swatting backhands crosscourt as if this is a practice drill. Roddick blinks first, going down the line - but wide. Fed has two more break points. He wastes one by dumping a forehand into the net and then A-Rod delivers an ace out wide. Bit of encouragement for the American there.
0921: "Federer's looking in fine form and with the way Nadal's been dispatching his opponents could we have another classic in the final like Wimbledon last year? My money's on Nadal for the title but it should be another sublime encounter." sublimesuperspur on 606 Join the debate on 606
Federer 6-2 Roddick As Roddick gets up from his chair, the umpire tells him: "It's not going to help you or me to keep discussing this." Well, at least it gives him something else to focus on other than the fact that he has only beaten Federer twice in 17 meetings and never in a Grand Slam. He saves a set point then has two points to get back one of the breaks but Fed's serve saves him on both occasions. A Roddick return lands in the trams and Federer takes the opening set in 32 minutes.
Federer 5-2 Roddick Roddick hammers down a first ace of the night to take him to 40-15 and then closes the gap. He's still having words with the umpire about the call in that last game as they change over. "Have I ever let a ball go by me in my entire career? Yes or no? No."
Federer 5-1 Roddick Roddick's mood is not helped when Federer challenges a call and is proved right. Replays show the American could have hit it - but the umpire thinks not and gives the point to Fed. The world number two hits a crosscourt forehand which John Lloyd describes as "scary" on his way to another easy hold.
0905: "As much as I want Federer to win Slam number 14 my Nan loves Roddick and thinks he's "such a lovely boy", how can I go against her? Come on A-Rod show us you've still got the talent to win a Slam and give my Nan a smile!" Lee in Woking via text on 81111 Let's hope your Nan's not watching...
Federer 4-1 Roddick The last time these two met in an Aussie Open semi-final - in 2007 - Federer produced as perfect a display of tennis as you will ever see. Is this history repeating? Federer breaks again - just as606 is opens for business. Join the debate on 606
Federer 3-1 Roddick Big chance for Roddick as Federer makes two errors off the ground to give his opponent a 0-30 lead. Federer levels it but then Roddick lashes a backhand return into the corner to bring up break point. He gets a look at the second serve, but Fed's delivery is perfect. Chance gone. I don't feel very confident about Roddick's chances at the moment.
Federer 2-1 Roddick Ominous signs as Roddick plays a poor approach shot and sees the ball come flying past him. That's 0-30 and the American misses a first serve, allowing Federer into the point. A forehand into the net gives Fed three break points. Roddick saves two with massive first serves and he looks set to save the third when he takes charge at the net, but he doesn't do quite enough with a volley and Fed manages to dig out a miraculous pass.
Federer 1-1 Roddick Boom. Federer notches his first forehand winner of the night and quickly makes it two as he races to 40-0. Roddick wins a baseline rally - but it only delays the inevitable.
Federer 0-1 Roddick Two big serves and two duff Federer backhands allow Roddick to hold to love in the opening game.
0845: If you're twiddling thumbs in Melbourne, head to Rod Laver Arena, it's only two-thirds full... On to the action. Roddick won the toss and will serve.
0840: When I say temperatures have dropped, I mean it's now a chilly 35C. I wouldn't even leave the house in that heat, let alone run around chasing a fluffy yellow ball. I think Roddick will be pleased the lid's off Rod Laver Arena though. The American tends to prefer hotter conditions.
0837: The Rod Laver Arena roof is open for this semi-final, as temperatures have dropped a touch. Apparently it was so hot in Melbourne today that the rail tracks buckled. Strewth...
0834: Words of wisdom from the players as they head down the tunnel. "I hope to play a good match," says Federer. "I think it's going to be exciting so I'm excited myself." And Roddick: "I love playing here and hopefully I can get one more win." Surely he means two though...
0832: "No-ones seems to be giving Roddick a chance against Fed - don't forget Del Potro basically threw the towel in part way through set two. Roddick won't do that. Having said that, I predict Federer will win in three!" Sara via text on 81111
0823: Chris Bevan is riding high on a wave of extreme tiredness, coupled with elation at his 0445 GMT prediction. He's gone Fed in four for this next one, although he has just admitted that was mainly for alliterative reasons.
By Chris Bevan
0816: Well, that's me done for the day and in fact for the tournament - like Dementieva and Zvonareva, I am bowing out of the tournament at the semi-final stage. It's over to Caroline Cheese for the A-Rod-Fed clash, which should be a cracker. Enjoy.
0801: Gosh, Serena is a busy girl isn't she? Fresh from polishing off Elena Dementieva to reach the final of the women's singles, she's just teamed up with big sis Venus in the doubles to thrash Casey Dellacqua and Francesca Schiavone 6-0 6-2 in their semi-final on the Hisense Arena. That puts the Williams sisters into Friday's final, where they will play Slovakia's Daniela Hantuchova and Japan's Ai Sugiyama.
0750: Mind you, if Wimbledon was plagued by giant moths and hit by temperatures hotter than the surface of the sun, then I might stay away too...
0748: If, like me, you have ever queued for hours to get into Wimbledon just for the chance to watch a Bulgarian qualifier on Court 14, it might surprise you to learn that there have been a strange lack of fans at Melbourne Park for today's semi-finals. Jonathan Overend of 5 Live can explain more:
"Thousands of seats were unoccupied for Serena Williams' win over Elena Dementieva and the Rod Laver Arena was barely half-full for the Dinara Safina-Vera Svonareva match. They had record attendances here last week but the later match between Andy Roddick and Roger Federer isn't a sell-out either - which is unthinkable at any other Grand Slam tournament at this stage." BBC Radio 5 Live's Jonathan Overend at Melbourne Park
0736: The sun has again played havoc with play at Melbourne Park today and the tournament's extreme temperature policy was invoked a few hours ago. Without getting too scientific on you (it's far early for you, and I've been awake far too long), it meant that, with temperatures again over the 40C mark, all play on the outside courts was suspended. But the roof has been closed on the Rod Laver Arena, allowing the semi-finals to go ahead.
The above meant Britain's Peter Norfolk was forced off-court midway through his Quad Wheelchair singles round-robin match with America's David Wagner. Norfolk dropped the first set 6-2 but won the second set by the same score. That one will resume when the temperatures drop...
0723: You might have missed the news earlier that Britain's Laura Robson is into the semi-final of the girls' singles - she was in a real ding-dong battle with Elena Bogdan before the Romanian was forced to retire by an ankle injury (she wanted to carry on but the tournament doctor insisted she quit). But fellow Brit Heather Watson is out, losing her quarter-final against Russia's Ksenia Pervak 6-3 7-5.
0712: In case you're wondering, the other men's semi-final will take place on Friday - that one is an all-Spanish affair featuring the world number one Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray's conqueror Fernando Verdasco. Nadal has never been beyond the last four at Melbourne Park, while Verdasco had never been beyond the fourth round at a Grand Slam before this week - he is in magnificent form at the moment, though.
0702: Here's Jonathan Overend of 5 Live with his take on A-Rod v Fed which, as I've mentioned before, has been a bit of a one-sided encounter in the past - Fed 'edges' their head-to-head record by 15-2.
"This is a rematch of their semi-final here two years ago," says Overend. "Federer was brilliant that day and only allowed Roddick six games. Afterwards the American described the match as 'frustrating, terrible and miserable - apart from that it was fine'."
0651: While we wait for Fed v A-Rod, it seems a good time to remind you that UK viewers can watch that showdown on the Red Button or on this website, listen to it on 5 Live Sports Extra and, of course, follow all the action right here too.
0647: So, that's the women's final sorted out. And it won't be long until we find out the first men's finalist too. Roger Federer will face Andy Roddick under the floodlights on the Rod Laver Arena from 0830 GMT. Fed in four, I reckon.
0639: Ahem, can I just refer you to my prediction for this one at 0445. It's nice to get something right - it doesn't happen often. Anyway, enough about my lucky guess - Dinara Safina and Serena Williams won't just be fighting for the Australian Open title in Saturday's final - the winner also gets the world number one ranking.
"To be number one has been my dream since I was growing up," says Marat's little sister in her on-court interview after beating Zvonareva. "To fight for it with Serena will be unbelievable. I just hope it will be a great match so we can shake hands at the end and say that whoever wins deserves to be number one too."
Hear, hear.
SECOND SET
Zvonareva 3-6 6-7 (4-7) Safina Safina's done it. She's into the final to meet Serena Williams. Safina starts the tie-break aggressively and gets the mini-break to lead 3-1 before a double-break undoes her hard work. Another big return at 3-3 gives Dinara the advantage once more but Vera keeps plugging away until she nets a forehand at 4-5 and, appropriately, a big Safina forehand seals her victory.
Zvonareva 3-6 6-6 Safina One step forward, two back for Vera. Safina smashes a superb winner off her first serve and goes on to break to love. It's tie-break time...
Zvonareva 3-6 6-5 Safina Strange. Very strange. Safina is faltering here all of a sudden and mistakes from either flank mean Vera quickly has another opening, even after putting an easy volley into the net. At 30-40, Safina can only manage a limp forehand and Zvonareva will serve for the second set next.
Zvonareva 3-6 5-5 Safina Nothing doing for Safina here either. She hits another of those trademark forehands but that is the only point she picks up.
Zvonareva 3-6 4-5 Safina These two are still slugging it out from the back of the court and although Vera is still creating chances to break, she seems to lack the belief to actually do it. Again, it doesn't happen for her and, again, she buries her head in her towel at the changeover. She will serve to stay in the match next.
"I must say, I am enjoying these little flag arrows that keep cropping up - could you do one for my native country of Norway perchance? I don't think we have anyone around at the moment." An unrepresented Kruger, via text on 81111
Norway only has one professional women's tennis player Kruger - Helene Auensen. She is ranked 856th so there is more chance of me being in the semi-finals of the Australian Open than her - and I am the wrong gender. So, courtesy of my able assistant Ollie, here is a Norway-Up graphic. Happy to oblige.
Zvonareva 3-6 4-4 Safina A huge game this for Vera but luck's not on her side, at first, as a mis-hit forehand puts Safina 15-30 up. Zvonareva recovers to 40-30 but a double-fault - only her third of the match - drags her back to deuce. She recovers her composure, however, and a thudding backhand helps her hold.
Zvonareva 3-6 3-4 Safina "Don't make me angry. You won't like me when I'm angry." Yep, Vera's fury at the injustice of the last game gives her the impetus to earn two break points. Sadly for her, they come and go - Safina's serve digs her out of a hole and she's the cool customer at the moment.
Zvonareva 3-6 3-3 Safina So can Vera build on that break? No. Safina's relentless forehand gets her a break at 30-40 but another glorious drive-volley rescues Zvonareva. Dinara soon has another chance, however, courtesy of a devastating return and although that chance goes, two more scudding crosscourt forehands mean we are level again in that second set.
Vera isn't happy because that last Dinara winner was actually called out, although it was clearly in. She didn't get near it in any case but she wants the point replayed. The umpire is having none of it.
Zvonareva 3-6 3-2 Safina Just when you think Safina has got this match in her grasp, she shows a few signs of weakness. At 30-all, Vera gets a lucky break when her return clips the net and falls the right side, from her point of view, and a wild forehand from Dinara costs her dear on the next point. This one is not over yet...
Zvonareva 3-6 2-2 Safina Not much variety from either player on display so far but when Vera has tried to bring Safina into the net, she usually gets a reward. She should stop hitting to the Safina forehand, though, because that is only profiting her opponent. Still, Vera holds after a lovely drive-volley into the corner at 30-all sets up a simple smash.
Zvonareva 3-6 1-2 Safina A real chance for Vera at 15-40 but she seems to find the Safina forehand at the wrong time from that point onwards and Dinara reels her in.
"Chris, you're predicting a Safina-Williams final. Hasn't it just got to be the American? Anon, via text on 81111
I think so, yes. If Serena performs, of course.
Zvonareva 3-6 1-1 Safina Zvonareva needs her serve to be at its best now if she is to stay in this match and for now at least it is not letting her down. She is still making mistakes but holds easily enough here.
Zvonareva 3-6 0-1 Safina Safina edges the head-to-head record 5-4 between these two but Vera has won their last three meetings, all on hard-courts too. It's not doing her too much good at the moment - she claws her way to 30-all before more Safina power-play on serve sees her through.
"Safina is serving well and is in charge at the moment." BBC Radio 5 Live's Jonathan Overend at Melbourne Park
FIRST SET
Zvonareva 3-6 Safina Zvonareva is known for her fragile temperament too by the way - she has been known to cry on court before now - and the way she concedes this one is unlikely to help her mood. She is 40-0 up before Safina's power comes to the fore again, and Dinara wins five points in a row to break again and snatch this first set. That is four games in a row for her now.
Zvonareva 3-5 Safina Safina's serve is more fluent this time and, as with Serena in the first semi-final, if she gets her first delivery in, she invariably wins the point. She holds and Vera must serve to stay in the first set.
"Not sure that Safina's temperamental power will get her through this - any thoughts?" SJDR in Fulham, via text on 81111
I'm sure we'll see some tears along the way but Safina is looking like the better player at the moment and I stand by my prediction at 0445.
Zvonareva 3-4 Safina Vera saved three break points in her last service game and she quickly gets an opportunity to repeat that trick after some sloppy stuff leaves her at 0-40. This time Safina is not going to let her chance slip away, however, and a clean forehand winner sees her move ahead again in this first set.
Zvonareva 3-3 Safina Safina's got stacks of power but lacks mobility - I'd say she trundles around the court rather than glides in the way that, for example, Dementieva does. Vera is a real pocket battleship too by the way - neither player is holding anything back at the moment and they trade blows - and errors - shot for shot as we reach deuce. Safina's second serve is still causing her issues but it comes to her rescue on a break-point and she, eventually, holds.
"I'll make no excuses for looking up pictures of the empowering Safina over maps of glacial landforms. She's just what you want at 5am." A broken Kruger in Durham, via text on 81111
I've seen glaciers that move quicker than Safina actually...
Zvonareva 3-2 Safina Safina's best shot is immediately obvious - a gigantic crosscourt forehand, which gets her to 0-30 before a broken string costs Vera and leaves her facing three more break-points. That Safina backhand is not quite so reliable, however, and after she puts a couple wide, we are soon back at deuce. An ace and a dinked backhand complete the Vera fightback.
Zvonareva 2-2 Safina More problems for Safina on serve - mainly because of her serve actually, which is not in its groove yet. She stumbles at 30-40 and Svonareva puts a forehand down the line and on to the baseline to break back. We are all-square.
Zvonareva 1-2 Safina Better by Zvonareva. Much better. She sends down a couple of big serves herself and a skidding forehand winner gets her off the mark in this match. This one isn't a sell-out by the way - far from it - lots of empty seats in the Rod Laver Arena judging from the pictures I'm looking at.
Zvonareva 0-2 Safina Safina does not find it quite so easy on serve, trailing 15-30 before showing exactly why she has a reputation for being a big-hitter with two enormous winners - one from either flank - as she fights back to hold.
Zvonareva 0-1 Safina Oops. A double-fault for Zvonareva is not the best way for her to start this semi-final and she is quickly 0-40 down. Safina looks up for this, angry even, and is quicky a break to the good. Some start.
0445: Right, apologies for the lack of updates but I've been doing lots of boring technical things. I've just finished them, you'll be glad to know, and I've just got time to give you my prediction for this one - Safina to win in straight sets but not without a fight - at least one tie-break needed I reckon. Zvonareva won the toss, chose to serve, and is just about to kick us off.
0437: Hmmm. At times that match threatened to really take off but Elena's errors meant it never did. Still, at least Russia can't lose in this next semi-final between Vera Zvonareva and Dinara Safina - those two are just out on court now.
0428: Serena is delighted with that semi-final win and laughs her way through the on-court interview afterwards. "I thought if I could play like Roger Federer and apply a bit more spin to the ball then there was no way I could lose," she smiles. "I don't care who I play in Saturday's final, I am just so excited to have got this far."
SECOND SET
Dementieva 3-6 4-6 Serena If Elena's serve has cost her this match, it has won it for Serena. Two aces see her through and put her in the Australian Open final.
"I remember when Elena lost to Myskina in the French Open. Similar pain. " Anon via text on 81111
Dementieva 3-6 4-5 Serena This is a big test for Elena after dropping her serve in the last two games. She doesn't learn her lesson, though, and a double-fault at 30-all tells its own story. Serena scents victory and overpowers the Russian after a long rally on the next point. She jumps for joy when she wins it and knows she will serve for the match - and a place in the final - next.
Dementieva 3-6 4-4 Serena There is still life in Elena - she proves that by coming back from 40-15 down to force a break-point of her own. Serena digs in but Dementieva raises her game again to force more mistakes from the American, and she is right back in this set.
"This has been a terrific contest that has swung one way and then the other. There could well be another twist too." BBC Sport's Chris Bailey
"Just wondered, Chris - why is this match billed as Dementieva-Serena, not Dementieva-Williams or even Dementieva-S. Williams? Seems a trifle harsh on Elena. Ah, well, at least neither of them has been dubbed 'kettle' yet." Helene in Brentford, via text on 81111
It's all to do with the various platforms this text commentary is available on Helen. I won't bore you by going any further than that. Oh, and the fact there is more than one Williams sister too. And I was hoping everybody had forgotten about Kettlegate...no such luck.
Dementieva 3-6 3-4 Serena Big game this for Elena and a big point too at 15-30. Serena takes it, however, when the Russian pounds a forehand long and she quickly completes the break when Elena puts a routine backhand into the net - it was going wide even if it had crept over. The American is well in control of this one now.
Dementieva 3-6 3-3 Serena Well, Elena is still in this one but she is her own worst enemy at the moment because the unforced errors are not just creeping into her game, they are taking over. She knows it too, screeching loudly after one mistake. Serena, who has been pretty quiet in comparison throughout, holds.
"Williams, all the way, in this one. And Roddick, and his diet, maybe even his cotton socks, won't stop Federer from taking out Nadal in four." Anon via text on 81111
Dementieva 3-6 3-2 Serena Double trouble for Elena and it is such a shame. She serves her first double-fault of the game at 30-all before saving the ensuing break-point with a mammoth forehand after a thrilling rally. But from then on it is sadly all downhill for the Russian as two more double-faults - her seventh and eighth of the match - concede the game. Oh dear.
Dementieva 3-6 3-1 Serena Dementieva has tried a sliced backhand drop-shot four times now. And four times, it has failed - absymally too, I should add. Serena holds to love. Much better from her, that.
"A bit of a turnaround this. Elena has started the second set very strongly - I'd like to see it go to a third set because this is arguably the best women's tennis we've seen in this championship. The reason Elena is still in it is because the Serena serve has not got going yet." BBC Sport's Chris Bailey
Dementieva 3-6 3-0 Serena Suddenly Serena looks little bit off-key - and she does not get a sniff here after sending some big shots flying wildly long and wild. Elena has some breathing space - she's still only one break up in this second set though.
Dementieva 3-6 2-0 Serena A spot of bother for Serena at 0-30 and, although she powers back to 30-all, a tame backhand limps into the net to give Elena a break-point. She attacks the next Serena serve but, although her backhand flies an inch wide, she keeps up the aggressive approach on deuce - hitting a clean forehand winner before clinching her first break of the match with a sweet backhand. Impressive stuff!
Dementieva 3-6 1-0 Serena Phew. What a game! A first double-fault of the match by Dementieva leaves us at 30-all - and a second one quickly follows. So, Serena has another break-point, right at the start of the second set. Dementieva rescues that one with a big, if risky, second serve but another wild backhand puts her back in trouble. Again, a huge serve saves the Russian but she is still muttering to herself constantly between points and clearly all is not well with her game. She faces a third break-point when a forehand hits the top of the net but manages it after an absolutely thrilling rally ends with a drop volley that is just good enough. Even then it is a struggle for her to hold, but she does. Worth a Russian-Up graphic in my book!
"Elena was always under constant pressure in that first set and Serena is playing very well. The worrying thing for the Russian is that Serena is still not serving very well - only 45% of her first serves went in in that first set - if she can raise that, it will be even harder for Elena." BBC Sport's Chris Bailey
FIRST SET
Dementieva 3-6 Serena Just like her opponent, Serena is also relying heavily on her first serve - but she is having more joy. She falls behind twice in this game but levels on each occasion with an ace. That takes her to 30-all and another big delivery, and a dreadful Elena drop-shot means the first set is in the bag. There's my prediction out of the window then, and that one got away from the Russian very quickly after a solid start.
Dementieva 3-5 Serena Dementieva seems able to wrong-foot Serena at will, but she needs her first serve to go in for her to boss each point. Not enough do in this game, which is why she finds herself at deuce. The Russian's response is to up the volume, screaming after every shot, but that turns to a howl when she sends a couple of backhands wide. That's the first break - advantage America...
Dementieva 3-4 Serena Ace number four for Serena - her 32nd of the tournament - give her a comfortable hold. No breaks of serve in this one yet but the quality of play is very high at the moment.
"The first few games of this match have been fantastic. Serena looks like she is about to play her best match of the tournament and a lot comes down to whether Elena can maintain her high percentage of first serves - the moment that drops, Serena could pounce." BBC Sport's Chris Bailey
Dementieva 3-3 Serena Impressive from Dementieva, who is moving the ball around the court superbly when she is in control of the point. She holds to love and is serving really well too, for a change.
Dementieva 2-3 Serena Serena produces her best tennis of the match so far - and a couple of her punchy forehands settle some testing rallies just when she looks to be on the back-foot. The American holds and shows signs that she is coming to life but Elena is also threatening and her own forehand looks like being an important weapon in this match too.
Dementieva 2-2 Serena Elena is cruising at 40-0 before a rasping forehand from Serena shows she is still awake, and dangerous. The Russian sends a forehand long in the next rally to hint at a first wobble but she still holds without too much fuss. Oh, and it's not just us lot who are having a go at predicting this one by the way - here are the 5 Live boys with their, differing, opinions on how this one will turn out:
"Jonathan Overend predicted Dementieva to win the tournament on day one so he's having a good run. I don't think she'll get past Serena though, especially indoors." BBC Radio 5 Live's David Law at Melbourne Park
Dementieva 1-2 Serena Serena is also struggling to find any rhythm right now and is managing a worrying lack of control too - so many of her shots are flying into the tramlines. But her power game is not letting her down and a couple of big serves steady the ship at deuce.
Dementieva 1-1 Serena Blimey, I'm glad we've got the whole night for this one - another marathon game, with some scorching backhands brings two break points for Serena at 15-40. Elena recovers to deuce but she is short of consistency at the moment and follows dipping winners with tame shots into the net - it takes her four goes to finish off the game before, finally, holding.
"Those first two games took 16 minutes and they still haven't had a sit down - lots of long rallies slugging it out from the baseline so far." BBC Radio 5 Live's Jonathan Overend at Melbourne Park
"Serena may be too good for Dementieva - her experience may prove vital. I think that Safina will get through the other semi-final. Both in three." Andrew in Edinburgh, via text on 81111
Dementieva 0-1 Serena A confident start for Dementieva, who is quickly into her stride, earning a couple of break-points courtesy of some excellent shots from the baseline, including one booming backhand at 15-all. Serena is looking a bit rusty but, when she gets her first serve in, she invariably wins the point. It takes her a few deuces (I lost count of exactly how many) but she holds eventually.
0244: Well done for staying awake this long folks...I'm sure it will be worth it. Dementieva won the toss and chose to receive - we are about to get the first women's semi-final under way.
0242: "Prediction for the first semi Chris? Go on!" From a tired Kev in Llandudno, north Wales, via text on 81111
I'll go into more details from my earlier prediction to say that Elena will take the first set on a tie-break before gradually tiring as Serena comes to the fore. Williams will break twice to win the decider. Oh, and I'm from Colwyn Bay, Kev, so we are practically neighbours...
0237: The players have just been introduced to the crowd and are about to start their warm-up. Dementieva is sticking with the same orange outfit she has worn throughout the tournament (although I'm sure she's washed it). Serena is in all-blue - the same colour as the court.
"Elena will succumb but only because I'm in mad, passionate love with her. Serena Williams will win the title." SJDR, from Fulham, via text on 81111
I've got to say that is the strangest reason I have ever heard for predicting a result of a tennis match. I'm going for Serena in three tight sets by the way.
0227: Plenty of ice-creams being eaten at the Rod Laver Arena...in the crowd, I should add, not by Elena or Serena. Although that would make things interesting...
0220: Just before the women get started, here's a reminder that UK viewers can watch today's night match - the men's semi-final between Andy Roddick and Roger Federer - on the Red Button or on this website, listen to it on 5 Live Sports Extra and, of course, follow all the action right here with me too.
0217: "We're not too far away from Dementieva-Serena now...the court at the Rod Laver Arena is just being prepared and an announcer has told the fans to be in their seats for 0230 GMT.
0202: "Just back from a party and had to check in for your updates.. Been addicted since Day one! Keep up the good work!" Erika from London, via text on 81111
Hmmm. There seems to be less people studying through the night this week - more of you are partying instead, it would appear...keep up the good work yourselves!
0200: I've actually sent Ollie to go and get the teas in so I can answer your questions...a few of you texted in earlier to ask whether the girls' singles final will be televised if Laura Robson makes it through. I have to admit that I don't know - but I have emailed the appropriate people to ask (I don't think they would appreciate a phone call at this time of night!).
Having followed Laura's progress so far at Melbourne Park through live scorecards, I can only hope that we do, finally, get to see her in action. It would be nice to witness (and cheer!) some actual shots rather than just shout at flashing numbers on my computer screen!
0153: Not a lot going on at Melbourne Park right now folks - the matches on the outside courts, including Peter Norfolk's game, have been suspended because the 'extreme heat' policy has been invoked. So, a good time to make yourself a cuppa - that's what I'm going to do.
0144: Right then. The last four women standing are Elena Dementieva, Serena Williams, Vera Zvonareva and Dinara Safina. Not sure if any of you would have picked that quartet to still be here had you been asked at the start of the tournament but that matters little now. More importantly, how do you see the semi-finals going? Here's 5 Live's Jonathan Overend with his thoughts:
"Dementieva is in positive mood and is sure to take the match to Serena, who came very close to losing to Svetlana Kuznetsova in the last round. Zvonareva and Safina are both in good form and both big hitters but the winner of the title will, in all likelihood, come from the first semi-final." BBC Radio 5 Live's Jonathan Overend at Melbourne Park
0130: Chris. It's going to be a long night and morning. Like the look of the ladies semis but don't wanna miss Roddick against Fed. Fed looked immense on Monday, but I just have a feeling that Andy will do it. What's your reckoning?" Andrew in Edinburgh, via text on 81111
I'm a big A-Rod fan. I even play with his racquet. But I cannot see him getting past Fed, as much as I'd like him to - he is just too clever for him. Still, I will probably be wrong...
0126: So, we have got just over an hour before Elena Dementieva and Serena Williams are due on court for the first women's semi-final (at 0230 GMT). There is other tennis currently going on, however, despite the oppressive heat.
Britain's Peter Norfolk is into a deciding set against David Wagner of the United States his Quad Wheelchair singles round-robin match. Latest: Norfolk 2-6 6-2 0-0 Wagner
0114: "So once again a nation's hope rests on the fabulous Laura Robson's young but alarmingly strengthening shoulders! She's playing that girl again...deja vu?!" 'pottiella' 606er (yes, I sleep little) via text on 81111
Hi Pottiella...blimey, you get sleep less than me by the looks of things. Yep, let's hope for the same result as in the junior Wimbledon final. Robson beat 'that girl' 6-3 3-6 6-1.
0112: Here's more from 5 Live's David Law on the end of Heather Watson's Australian Open campaign. Sounds like a typically plucky way for her to be beaten:
"Watson so unlucky to go match-point down with a dead net cord. She saved it, but then hit one forehand long to give Pervak another match point. She then hit a backhand long to lose the match. Great effort over the past few days though." BBC Radio 5 Live's David Law at Melbourne Park
0104: "Looks like Robbo has got a formidable opponent next - the number one seed has only lost 10 games in her four matches!" Mary in Chester, via text on 81111
Yep, Robson is going to see an awful lot of top girls' seed Noppawan Lertcheewakarn in the next day or so�once the heat dies down and play on the outside courts resumes, the British girl and Anna Orlik of Belarus (who Lertcheewakarn has just thrashed in the singles) play the Thai and her Beatrice Gumulya of Indonesia in the quarter-finals of the doubles.
0100: Oooh. It looks like the end of Laura Robson's match was even more intriguing than first thought - it explains the long hold-up just before the end too - here's 5 Live'sJonathan Overend, who was on Court 19, to explain:
"Bogdan was leading 5-1 in the second set and had deuce when she turned badly on her left ankle. The Romanian limped back to her chair and had treatment from the doctor and physios.
"She wanted to continue because she knew if the match went to one set all, the extreme heat policy would be enforced the players would be brought off.
"So she limped back to the baseline and played four more points (actually winning two of them) before the doctor walked onto the court and basically forced her to retire.
"Bogdan was in tears and her coach was shaking his head but she was in no position to play and for her own good it was the right decision. Referee Scott Ray has just confirmed that the Doctor has the power to take such a decision if it's in the player's best interests." BBC Radio 5 Live's Jonathan Overend at Melbourne Park
0056: Uh-oh...another match-point for Pervak, this time on the Watson serve at 5-6. This time, the girl from Guernsey cannot turn it around and she bows out. Still a magnificent effort from her to get this far but Laura Robson is now the only British player left in the girls' singles... Result: Pervak bt Watson 6-3 7-5
0049: Heather is still plugging away against Pervak and is serving again to stay in the match. The winner of this one plays either with seventh seed Kristina Mladenovic of France or second seed Ana Bogdan of Romania in the last four - Bogdan has just taken the first set 6-4 on Court 18 by the way. Latest: Watson 3-6 5-6 Pervak
0045: "Well done to Laura. Not a nice way to go through but through all the same. She meets the amazing number one now though is that correct?" Andrew in Edinburgh, via text on 81111
Yep, Laura plays Thai top seed Noppawan Lertcheewakarn, who Robson beat in the 2008 junior Wimbledon final, in the semi-finals after she thumped the Brit's doubles partner, Anna Orlik, 6-1 6-0 in her quarter-final.
0041: I wasn't sure why Elena Bogdan had to retire from her match against Laura Robson at such a crucial stage but here is a man in the know - 5 Live's David Law.
"Unfortunately Bogdan turned her ankle and couldn't put any weight on it. I didn't see it happen, but if she had got through two more points she would have come off for the heat, so it must have been bad. Watson appears to be struggling. Off to see the end of that set." BBC Radio 5 Live's David Law at Melbourne Park
0039: Well done Heather Watson! She saves two match points at 3-5 in the second set and breaks back against Pervak to keep that one alive, just! The second set is back on serve... Latest: Watson 3-6 4-5 Pervak
0032: Dramatic news from Court 19. Robson was on the brink of losing the second set there - Elena Bogdan was 5-2 up and at 30-0 while serving to level the match but she has been force to retire, meaning Robson is through to the semi-finals.. Result: Robson bt Bogdan 6-3 2-5 ret
0023: Er, play appears to have stopped in the Robson-Bogdan game - I will try to find out why soon, hopefully, but I bring bad news for Heather Watson as Pervak has just broken back. Latest: Bogdan 3-6 5-1 Robson/Watson 3-6 3-3 Pervak
"Oh my, how will Robson come back from 13-1 down? Did a moth land on the keyboard?" Nick in Bedford, via text on 81111
Just corrected that one...
0014: The sun is still brutal in Melbourne and it looks like it will have a big effect on the progress of Robson and Watson. Here's 5 Live's David Law, who has been watching both matches, to explain more:
"I've just seen the first set and a half courtside. No surprise to find that it is blisteringly hot. So hot in fact that it looks as if the extreme heat rule will be invoked at the end of the current set and Laura and Heather's matches will be suspended if still in progress.
"They are literally playing on adjacent courts, so you can watch both matches with a turn of the head. Heather very nearly got a double break, but she seems to be outlasting the other girl." BBC Radio 5 Live's David Law at Melbourne Park
0009: Oops. Robson is not having the best of times in this second set, she has just been broken again, and although she had two break points to respond immediately at 1-4, she couldn't take either of them - the Romanian is one game away from taking the second set. Latest: Bogdan 3-6 5-1 Robson/Watson 3-6 2-1 Pervak
"Can you stop calling Laura Robson 'Robbo'? Shes not a football player you know. " Anon, via text on 81111
I'm just glad that Anon wasn't here last night when the below happened. If he doesn't like nicknames, he would have liked kettles even less...
0004: "So Chris, are you going to confuse a kettle for Robbo again? Or will it be a tea pot?" Andy in Harrow, via text on 81111
For those of you, who weren't here last night, I (briefly) lost the plot and started using pictures of a kettle (see above) instead of our very own Robbo. It will probably happen again in a couple of hours or so...
0002: Oh dear, our two girls are having contrasting fortunes at the moment - Robbo has just been broken...which means she is a set up but a break down, the exact opposite of Watson. Latest: Bogdan 3-6 3-1 Robson/Watson 3-6 2-0 Pervak
2358: Yay! Watson hits back at the start of the second set to go a break up - she had a real tussle with Japan's Miyabi Inoue yesterday in the blazing sun but triumphed in three sets, so she is definitely a battler, let's just hope that match didn't take too much out of her. Bogdan-Robson is going with serve in the second set. Latest: Bogdan 3-6 1-1 Robson/Watson 3-6 2-0 Pervak
2354: So, if you are Andy Roddick, how do you stay upbeat ahead of your Australian Open semi-final against Roger Federer? Concentrate on the positives, that's how.
"I think it helps that I stopped a big streak against him last year," Roddick says. True, the American won their last meeting in Miami last March to end a run of 11 losses but, sadly for him, he has lost 15 of their 17 previous meetings with Fed. Not a good stat, whichever way you look at it.
2347: Big game this for Watson, who is serving to stay in the first set but quickly finds herself 0-40 down and the Russian completes the job to go a set up. But better news for Robbo - she has just broken again to go a set up. Latest: Bogdan 3-6 0-0 Robson/Watson 3-6 0-0 Pervak
2344: More on that enticing-looking Roddick-Federer clash that is coming up later. A-Rod is in great shape at the moment thanks to his new diet which helped him out-play and out-last 2008 champion Novak Djokovic on Tuesday. But Fed was, well, amazing as he destroyed Juan Martin del Potro in his quarter-final and he doesn't really lose to Roddick that often, does he?
2340: Just a reminder that you can text me on 81111 with your thoughts on tonight's action. Go on, otherwise I only have a few giant moths to keep me company...and they aren't very talkative.
2338: Good news. Robson makes the breakthrough on Court 19, breaking Bogdan to go 4-3 up in the first set - by the way, Robbo hasn't dropped a set in her three matches so far. Latest: Bogdan 3-4 Robson/Watson 2-4 Pervak
2335: Out of the four women's semi-finalists, probably the least heralded is Vera Zvonareva. But her progress here so far has undoubtedly been the most impressive. She has not dropped a set and reeled off 11 games in a row to crush Marion Bartoli in the last round.
2325: Yay. Watson is off the mark on Court 21 but still a break down at 1-2. Robson's match with Bogdan is with serve at 2-2.
2322: Oh, and in case you were wondering, Rafael Nadal plays Fernando Verdasco in the other men's semi-final on Friday. If I had a Spain-Up graphic, I would be using it now.
Melbourne heatwave weather report
2316: I'm sure you lot have been having a, erm, heated debate about the decision to close the roof on the Rod Laver Arena yesterday. That definitely made it easier for the players - just ask Serena - but spare a thought for the poor unfortunates forced to play on under the blazing sun on the outside courts - including Robson, Watson and Norfolk - because temperatures are expected to hit 44C in the next few hours.
2315: Not a great start for Heather. She has been broken by Pervak, the third seed, in the very first game. Long way to go in that one, though, obviously.
2312: Just the three Russians in the women's semi-finals then? A bit slack that. None of them have won a Grand Slam singles title yet, though, while Serena Williams has nine. Including three at Melbourne Park.
2308: So, what else is in store for us tonight? Well the women's semi-finals start on the Rod Laver Arena at 0230 GMT when Elena Dementieva takes onSerena Williams, followed by Vera Zvonareva's match with Dinara Safina.
Then, under the floodlights from 0830 GMT, we've got an absolute corker - the first of the men's semi-finals, which sees seventh seedAndy Roddick take on second seed Roger Federer.
UK viewers can watch that Roddick-Federer showdown on the Red Button or on this website, listen to it on 5 Live Sports Extra and, of course, follow all the action right here with me too.
2304: And Robbo and Watson are not the only Brits due on court. Peter Norfolk is set to play America's David Wagner in his latest round-robin match of the Quad Wheelchair singles.
2301: Yep, British teenagers Laura Robson and Heather Watson will start their girls' singles quarter-finals in the next few minutes. Robbo is up against Romania's Elena Bogdan on Court 19, while Watson faces Russia's Ksenia Pervak on Court 21.
2258: The giant moths have departed Melbourne Park (I think) but their timing couldn't be worse. In the next few hours we will find out three out of the four finalists in the men's and women's singles and keep track of the Brits in the girls' singles. Don't go anywhere.
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