Top-ranked Serena Williams and her wait for a sixth Australian Open title is nearing a conclusion after she disposed of 2014 finalist Dominika Cibulkova 6-2 6-2 in their quarter-final clash.
Williams came into the grand slam having not reached the semifinals since she won the tournament in 2010.
But the 33-year-old's drought finally came to an end against Cibulkova as she tallied 15 aces and 31 winners, while not facing a break point in a little over an hour on Rod Laver Arena.
The 18-time grand slam winner will face fellow American Madison Keys for a spot in the final.
Williams wasted little time asserting her dominance on the contest, breaking Cibulkova in just the third game for a 2-1 lead.
Cibulkova attempted to keep pace with the world number one but she was just simply overpowered by Williams, who broke again.
Then from 15-30 down, Williams reeled off three successive aces – eight for the stanza - as she cantered to close out the opening set in 28 minutes.
Cibulkova, who managed just six winners in the first set, did not fare any better in the second after dropping her serve in the opening game.
Williams broke again in the seventh game via a forehand error from Cibulkova to take a 5-2 lead before she successfully served out the match to improve her head-to-head record against the 25-year-old to 5-0.