Australian Open 2014: Tomas Berdych beats third seed David Ferrer to progress to last four in Melbourne for the first time

The Czech star rattled through the first two sets before overcoming a brief blip in the third to beat the Spaniard 6-1 6-4 2-6 6-4 and book his place in the semi-finals

Czech tennis star Tomas Berdych beat third seed David Ferrer to move into the Australian Open semi-finals (GETTY IMAGES)

Tomas Berdych reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open for the first time with a four-set win over third seed David Ferrer.

The Czech was playing in the quarter-finals in Melbourne for the fourth straight year and this time he came out on top, winning 6-1 6-4 2-6 6-4.

Berdych has now made at least the last four at every grand slam, and claimed his first ever victory on Rod Laver Arena.

The main talking point about his run in the tournament until this match had been his blue and white striped shirt, so comfortable had his progress been.

It looked like being another walk in the park here until Berdych's level dropped in the third set and Ferrer roared back.

The Spaniard seemed to have the momentum in the fourth, too, but Berdych hung on and then claimed the crucial break of serve.

The seventh seed narrowly missed a forehand on his first match point and then had to save a Ferrer break point when he served for it, but on his second chance the Czech clinched victory.

He will play either defending champion Novak Djokovic or Stanislas Wawrinka in the semi-finals.

PA