Ominous Sabalenka sets up Australian Open semi-final with Linette

Belarusian Sabalenka looks like the favourite to win her first major crown after another ruthless display in defeating Croatia's Donna Vekic 6-3, 6-2 at Rod Laver Arena.

Fifth-seeded Sabalenka is the highest remaining seed left in a women's draw that has been upended by shocks.

The match was closer than the score suggested, but Sabalenka is in scintillating form -- she is yet to drop a set in Melbourne and has won all nine matches in 2023.

It is a far cry from a year ago, when she struggled badly with her serve and was reduced to tears at an Australian Open warm-up tournament.

"It feels really special to be in the semi-finals here, it was a tough match," said Sabalenka, who was competing in her first Australian Open quarter-final.

"I'm super happy with the win and it was so great to play here today, the atmosphere was unbelievable."

Sabalenka will play unseeded Linette for a place in Saturday's final after she marched into her first major semi-final at the age of 30.

Two-time Melbourne champion Victoria Azarenka will face Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina in the other semi-final.