Vaidisova defeats Safarova

Melbourne: Nicole Vaidisova became the first player into the Australian Open semifinals with a 6-1, 6-4 win on Tuesday over Czech compatriot Lucie Safarova. The 10th-seeded won the 1-hour, 11-minute match at Rod Laver Arena when Safarova hit a forehand return of serve wide. Safarova upset defending champion Amelie Mauresmo in the fourth round on Sunday. "It's great for Czech tennis to have two in the quarterfinals," said the 17-year-old Vaidisova. "Of course you don't want to play your friend, but I'm just happy to get through." Vaidisova's best previous Grand Slam appearance in nine majors was reaching the semifinals at last year's French Open