Top seed and world number one Dinara Safina proved to the world that she is not only capable of silencing her critics with her swashbuckling play, but also has the ability to step in at big stages in a Grand Slam to seal the victory. Her latest victim became this year's Miami champion Belarusian Victoria Azarenka, whom she beat in a see-saw three set quarterfinal, winning the 1-6, 6-4, 6-2 match after a gruelling display of tennis - Read Match Commentary.

The first set witnessed some impressive play from the Belarusian, who spared Safina just a game to wrap up the set in barely 23 minutes of play. The second set proved pivotal for Safina as she pocketed an early break to go up 2-0. Azarenka bounced back and after an exchange of break, broke Safina to level the set at 4-4. However, from there, Safina took a quick break and sealed the set on an huge serve.

The final set saw Safina race to a 2-0 single break lead, which she duly consolidated and after another service break in hands, sealed the victory on serve.

Safina, who had not lost a single set in the first four matches here at Roland Garros, passed her first 'Acid Test' and will play the winner of the match between Dominika Cibulkova and compatriot Maria Sharapova in the semifinals.