Spain's Juan Carlos Ferrero came through a stern test today to beat Hicham Arazi 6-1 7-6 7-6 and reach the Australian Open semi-finals for the first time.
After a straightforward first set, the French Open champion was pressed by the unseeded Moroccan all the way but showed the sort of hardcourt form that led him to last year's US Open final to advance.
The third seed will meet either Wimbledon champion Roger Federer or in-form Argentine David Nalbandian for a place in Sunday's final. They play later today.
