Fab four to do battle in men's semis

THE Australian Open has a dream men's semifinal line-up, after reigning champion Novak Djokovic defeated dogged Spanish fifth seed David Ferrer in their quarter-final clash on Wednesday.

The 6-4, 7-6 (7-4), 6-1 victory by the world No 1 has ensured the 'Big Four' - Djokovic, Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer - will be the last four at Melbourne Park for the first time.

The Serbian star set up a semifinal rematch of last year's final against Scot Murray.

Earlier, Murray blitzed Japan's Kei Nishikori 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 to book his own berth in Friday night's semifinal.

Second seed Rafael Nadal and third seed Roger Federer are set to renew their long-time rivalry in the other semifinal, tonight.

In the women's section, Maria Sharapova beat Ekaterina Makarova 6-2, 6-3 on Wednesday to book a place in the semifinals.

She will play Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova for a place in the final.

Kvitova got the better of unseeded Sara Errani of Italy 6-4, 6-4 in the earlier match on centre court.