Daniela Hantuchova is through to her first Grand Slam semifinal after defeating Agnieszka Radwanska in straight sets 6-2, 6-2 on Wednesday at the Australian Open.
Although the Slovakian star reached a career high of No. 5 five years ago, she has never previously been past the quarterfinal round at a major.
Hantuchova’s fortunes changed for the better at Melbourne this season, launching her into the final four after wins over Radwanska, Maria Kirilenko, Virginia Ruano Pascual, Alize Cornet, and American Vania King in the first round.
Agnieszka Radwanska debuted in the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam also this week in Melbourne, and despite her loss, the Polish teenager is assured of reaching a new career high when the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour rankings are updated on Monday. Radwanska is projected to move from No.28 to No.21.
Ninth seed Daniela Hantuchova awaits the winner of the final quarterfinal match between No. 4 Ana Ivanovic and No. 8 Venus Williams in the semifinals.
