Jo-Wilfried Tsonga stormed into the semi-finals of the Australian Open after a straight-sets defeat of Mikhail Youzhny. The rising French star, who has already accounted for Andy Murray, the British No1, and countryman Richard Gasquet in Melbourne, won 7-5, 6-0, 7-6 to set up a last-four clash against second seed Rafael Nadal.

"I played just unbelievable, it's just amazing, I don't know what to say... incredible," Tsonga said. "I tried to be relaxed because it's a big event for me and it was difficult to stay calm, it worked and I'm very happy about that."

The first set remained on serve until the latter stages. Tsonga's attacking instincts eventually made the breakthrough in the 12th game. Having already staved off a break point in his previous service game, Youzhny again found himself in trouble when he dumped a straightforward smash into the net at 30-all.

Another poor overhead gave Tsonga a chance on break point and the Frenchman took full advantage with a backhand cross-court winner.

The second set was a one-sided affair with Tsonga in complete command and he secured the break, to love, with a wonderful lob. Youzhny, clearly troubled by ankle problems - he removed heavy strapping from both joints at 2-0 down - had no answer as his opponent dominated.

The third set was much closer as Tsonga's level inevitably dipped as he closed in on a maiden grand slam semi-final.

Youzhny wasted a set-point at 6-5 in the tie-break, but Tsonga recovered to win three successive points and register another tremendous victory.