World number one Kunieda was handed a tough opening match in the form of Britain's world number three Reid, who beat the Japanese on his way to winning the Sydney International Open last week.

Reid looked like he was going to continue his fine form after taking the first two games, and had the chance to take the first set at 5-3, but Kunieda showed why he is the world's top ranked player by saving that set-point and going on to win the opener 7-5.

That was as good as it got for the Briton as the three-time Paralympic champion found his rhythm in the second set and went on to take it 6-2 and seal his place in the last four.

Frenchman Houdet, winner of the Australian title in 2010, recovered from a set down to overcome world number four Gerard.

The Belgian looked on course to cause an upset after taking the opening set 6-4, but much like Kunieda, Houdet showed all his class and determination to recover his composure and clinch the second set 6-2 before going on to take the decider by the same score.

Argentina's Gustavo Fernandez became the first South American player to reach a wheelchair Grand Slam singles semi-final after he put in a superb performance against Michael Jeremiasz of France to run out a 6-4, 6-1 winner.

Hopes of a home win were dashed by 2012 champion Maikel Scheffers of the Netherlands, but not before wildcard Adam Kellerman made the Dutchman sweat all the way eventually going down 7-5,7-5.

Scheffers will now face Kuniedain in the semi-finals while Houdet takes on Fernandez.

Jordanne Whiley reached her first Grand Slam semi-final in Australia ©Getty Images























In the women's draw there was mixed fortunes for British players.

Jordanne Whiley recovered from a nervy start against Dutch wildcard entry Sharon Walraven to reach her first Grand Slam semi-final with a 6-3, 6-3 win.

However, compatriot Lucy Shuker did not fare as well in her match against another Dutch opponent.

World number four Jiske Griffioen looked in impressive form as she eased past Shuker with a 6-1, 6-2 win, while Yui Kamiji of Japan saw off Griffioen's compatriot and world number three Marjolein Buis 6-1, 6-4.

Runner-up in last year's final, Sabine Ellerbrock signalled her intent to go all the way this year as she cruised past South Africa's Kgothatso Montjane 6-1, 6-3 to secure a comfortable win.

Ellerbrock's win sets up a semi-final clash with Whiley while world number three Kamiji will take on Griffioen.

In the men's quad singles round-robin matches, defending champion David Wagner of the United States eventually came through to win his match against home favourite Dylan Alcott.

Alcott, who took wheelchair basketball gold at Beijing 2008, fought back from a 4-1 deficit to take the first set 6-4 before pushing Wagner all the way in the second, eventually losing out in a tiebreak despite reaching match point.

The American made the most of his close escape to power through the deciding set 6-3.

US Open champion and world number two Lucas Sithole of South Africa overcame last year's runner-up Andy Lapthorne of Britain 6-4, 6-3 in the other round-robin match.

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