Verdasco reached his first grand slam semifinals by upsetting last year's finalist, Tsonga.

Both Tsonga and Verdasco use their combination of powerful shots and remarkable athleticism to overwhelm their opponents.
Verdasco has been under the tutelage of Agassi's old trainer, Gil Reyes, and both his mental and physical strength have improved dramatically.

Both players kept up a stunning level of tennis throughout.  Tsonga had plenty of chances to break, but each time Verdasco would launch a timely ace

or come up with an incredible shot under pressure.

"I think Fernando played better than me. He was more aggressive," Tsonga said.

"He served better than me and that's it. Every time I got the possibility to make a break, I missed or Fernando played a good point."

Verdasco has been one of the most improved players in men's tennis over the past year and by reaching the semi-finals in Australia, he will break into the top 10 for the first time.

USA ORDERS: