29 Jan 2015

Madison Keys takes out her idol Venus Williams

1:04 pm on 29 January 2015

Young American tennis player Madison Keys has upset her 18th-seeded compatriot Venus Williams to reach the semi-finals of the Australian Open in Melbourne.

Madison Keys has eyes only for the ball in Melbourne

Madison Keys has eyes only for the ball in Melbourne Photo: Photosport

The 19-year-old, who idolised the Williams sisters growing up, overcome a thigh injury to beat the veteran 6-3 4-6 6-4, and her reward is a semi-final against the other Williams sister, top seed Serena, who beat the 11th-seeded Slovak Dominika Cibulkova 6-2 6-2.

Five-time champion Serena Williams is looking ominous in Melbourne

Five-time champion Serena Williams is looking ominous in Melbourne Photo: Photosport

Venus Williams' ranking should rise despite her quarter-final loss, as the American great continues her comeback at the age of 34 from the debilitating Sjögren's syndrome autoimmune disease.

Venus Williams in action in Melbourne

Venus Williams' ranking should rise despite her quarter-final loss to Madison Keys Photo: Photosport

Williams' ranking is projected to lift from 18th to 11th next week.