Gordon Reid secured a straight sets victory over Shingo Kunieda ©The Tennis Foundation

Britain’s Gordon Reid sensationally knocked out Japan's world number one Shingo Kunieda in straight sets to reach his first Australian Open men’s wheelchair singles semi-final at Melbourne Park.

Kunieda was vying for his fourth straight victory at the tournament, which would have taken his overall tally to nine, only to suffer an early blow after losing the opening set 6-3 to an inspired Reid.

The three-time Paralympic gold medallist, who had seen a 77-match unbeaten record ended at the NEC Wheelchair Tennis Masters last December, appeared to be clawing his way back into the tie after breaking Reid for a 4-3 lead in the second.

Reid, the world number five, broke back and earned a commanding victory in the tie-break to advance to the semi-final.

“I'm obviously really happy with the result today, I knew it was going to be a tough match against a player who's number one in the world for a reason,” said Reid.

“I went into the match with a clear game plan and I believe I used that effectively, as well as playing my best tennis in the important parts of the match.”

Reid will now face Gustavo Fernandez for a place in the final after the Argentine recorded a 6-2, 6-4 win over Australia’s Adam Kellerman.

NEC Wheelchair Tennis Masters champion Joachim Gerard overcame The Netherlands’ Maikel Scheffers 6-3, 6-2.

The Belgian is now due to meet Stephane Houdet after he defeated fellow Frenchman Nicolas Peifer 6-4, 6-3.

The Netherlands’ Aniek Van Koot began her campaign with a straight sets victory
The Netherlands’ Aniek Van Koot began her campaign with a straight sets victory ©Getty Images

In the women’s singles there was a thrilling three-set match between The Netherland’s Marjolein Buis and Britain’s Jordanne Whiley.

Three-time semi-finalist Buis earned the opening set, winning a tie-break but Whiley was able to level the contest and force a decider.

Buis secured the decisive break of serve to clinch a 7-6, 4-6, 6-4 victory, to set up an all Dutch semi-final match against Jiske Griffioen after the defending champion beat Britain’s Lucy Shuker 7-5, 6-2.

Second seed Yui Kamiji also made it through to the last four after the Japanese star beat Germany’s Sabine Ellerbrock 6-0, 4-6, 6-2.

She will now take on The Netherlands’ Aniek Van Koot, who recorded a 7-6, 7-5 win over South Africa’s Kgothatso Montjane.

The round robin phase of the quad singles event saw defending champion Dylan Alcott defeat Britain’s Andy Lapthorne 6-0, 6-4, as the Australian seeks further success in front of a home crowd.

South Africa’s Lucas Sithole was unable to significantly challenge David Wagner in his opening match as the American triumphed 6-2, 6-3.