1 of 7
Maria Sharapova makes a shaky start to her quarter-final, losing the first set to Svetlana Kuznetsova

2 of 7
But Kuznetsova loses her way in the second, dropping serve four times as Sharapova levels matters in searing heat

3 of 7
An exhausted Sharapova finally comes through to reach the semi-finals for the first time

4 of 7
The heat refuses to abate as Serena Williams takes to the court to face second seed Amelie Mauresmo

5 of 7
But Serena barely breaks sweat as Mauresmo commits a host of unforced errors and fails to test her opponent

6 of 7
Serena wins 6-2 6-2 to set up a semi-final against Sharapova - while Mauresmo's Grand Slam drought goes on

7 of 7
The roof closes as the heat rises on Rod Laver Arena, leaving Marat Safin with the perfect conditions to rout Dominik Hrbaty