Williams sets up Vaidisova clash
Serena Williams will meet Nicole Vaidisova in the semi-finals of the Australian Open after the pair overcame stern challenges at Melbourne Park.
The unseeded American, twice a winner Down Under, managed to claw her way back from the brink of defeat to overcome Israel's Shahar Peer 3-6 6-2 8-6 in a thrilling clash.
In the day's first match, played in sapping heat, Vaidisova overcame Czech compatriot Lucie Safarova 6-1 6-4.
Williams said afterwards: "I don't think I played as strongly (as against Jelena Jankovic). I think I came out a little flat, started out a little slow.
"Maybe I was just a little nervous. I didn't have enough blood pressure in my feet. I just had to get going, to work my way into the match."
Vaidisova was happy with her performance, saying: "It's definitely always a big key, my serve and return. I served pretty well and I'm really happy the way I returned her serve.
"She's tricky - she's a lefty. She can have those weird rotation slices. I read it well, I'm happy about that."
