The remaining women’s quarter-final match-ups brought with them surprising results, including the elimination of a Williams vs. Williams match-up in the final four. However, after several hours of court time, it was determined that Serena Williams and Madison Keys would compete for a spot in the final.

Williams made quick work of her quarter-final obstacle, last year’s runner-up Dominika Cibulkova on Wednesday evening. She defeated her Slovakian adversary 6-2, 6-2 to advance to the final four with relative ease. This is also the American’s first time in the semi-final of the Australian Open since she won the tournament five years ago.

“I feel I played well. I felt I had to. I feel like when you’re going up against a player like that who is confident on the court – she just had a few good matches – I knew that I needed to really play well or go home.”

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Earlier in the evening, Madison Keys continued her remarkable fortnight in Melbourne with a three-set win against Venus Williams. She played half the match heavily bandaged but still managed to pull through from a 3-1 deficit in the final set.

“First of all, I’m very happy I’m into the semifinals, but the moment’s definitely sweeter being able to play Venus to get there,” said Keys. “I was trying to enjoy the moment, and I did, and I get to enjoy another moment in the next round!”

While Thursday’s semi-final on the women’s side is an all-Russian affair, Keys and Williams will have their generational battle the following day on Rod Laver Arena.