Australian Open 2023 | Stunned Linette, Sabalenka power into semis

Aryna Sabalenka, the only top-10 seed left in the draw, earned her place in the women’s singles semifinals by outmuscling Donna Vekic

A disbelieving Magda Linette continued her dream run at the Australian Open on Wednesday with a stunning victory over former world number one Karolina Pliskova to move into the semi-finals, where she will play fifth seed Aryna Sabalenka.

Sabalenka, the only top-10 seed left in the draw, earned her place in the last four by outmuscling Donna Vekic 6-3 6-2 in a ferocious battle of big hitters in the second match on a baking Rod Laver Arena.

The Belarusian might have her hands full against unheralded Linette, who played wonderfully controlled tennis that belied her ranking of 45th in the world to wrap up a thoroughly deserved victory over Pliskova 6-3 7-5.

Linette had been expected to play second fiddle to fellow Pole Iga Swiatek at Melbourne Park but will now play a first Grand Slam semi-final on Thursday in a match that will decide who meets Victoria Azarenka or Elena Rybakina in the final.

"It's so much and I can't really believe it," the 30-year-old said. "I will never forget this. I'm breaking through some really difficult things for me. This will stay with me for life. So I'm really grateful."

Sabalenka later took her chances in a physical one-hour first set littered with break points before running away with the second to reach her fourth Grand Slam semi-final, a first in Melbourne.

Vekic had held a 5-1 career record against the Belarusian but was unable to match the level of the new, improved Sabalenka with 13 double faults not helping the Croatian's cause.