Venus storms into semis

Venus Williams moved comfortably into her second Australian Open semi-final with a straight-sets victory over Daniela Hantuchova.

The American number two seed was not at her scintillating best on the Rod Laver Arena, but took just an hour and 15 minutes to record a 6-4 6-3 victory.

Hantuchova was beaten in the Australian Open by Williams last year and never looked capable of wreaking her revenge.

The Slovakian did level from a break down in each set, but could not edge her nose in front as Williams sealed a semi-final tie against either Justine Henin-Hardenne or Spaniard Virginia Ruano Pascual.

Williams claimed she was not at her best in the match but was happy to reach her 12th Grand Slam semi-final.

“I think I had a lot of errors and I also think that Daniela did not play her best,” said the American. “But I think, in general, it was my best match of the tournament.

“Of course I’m my best critic, I’m always looking for things I can do better after each match, unless it was perfect.”