Cilic claims semi-final spot

Marin Cilic became the first Croatian male to reach the semi-finals of the Australian Open after he fended off an impressive Andy Roddick comeback in five sets.

Cilic, the 14th seed, won an epic last-eight battle 7-6 (7/4) 6-3 3-6 2-6 6-3 in a match which lasted just under four hours on Rod Laver Arena.

It was the third time in five matches that Cilic has been taken the distance at Melbourne Park this year.

Cilic's victory was finally sealed when Roddick pushed a backhand volley wide to prompt the Croatian to fall to his knees in delighted exhaustion.

"It wasn't easy. I've got experience to be here in this situation now," Cilic said.

"I just had a few extra gears in the last set. It wasn't easy.

"I was struggling on serve, he was putting pressure on me and I didn't know what to do.

"But point by point I worked back."

The 21-year-old, who is the youngest player left in the draw, will play the winner of tonight's blockbuster encounter between defending champion Rafael Nadal and fifth seed Andy Murray.