Kenin beats Jabeur to reach first Grand Slam semi-final

American Sofia Kenin on Tuesday overcame the risky game of Tunisia's Ons Jabeur at the Australian Open to reach her first career Grand Slam semi-final.

Kenin had a consistent performance in her 6-4, 6-4 win over the unseeded Jabeur, who kept true to her game hitting a barrel of winners - 34 - and more unforced errors - 36.

It was errors that cost the Tunisian her first break of serve to love on 1-1. Jabeur managed to tie things up again to 3-3, but then four straight unforced errors handed her American opponent the lead again, Deutsche press agency (dpa) reported.

On her serve the world number 78 faced two set points, but hit two more winners to defuse them, hitting six in the game to force the 21-year-old American to serve for the opener.

The 25-year-old Jabeur gave herself a chance to stay in the first with a crosscourt forehand winner, but hit the next forehand just wide on break point, and Kenin managed to hold and pocket the opener.

After a couple of solid holds apiece, Kenin saved one of three break points with a winner, while Jabeur wasted the other two with a wide ball and a long one allowing the American hold to 3-3.

A deflated Jabeur then dropped her serve in the following game after hitting another backhand wide, with Kenin eventually converting her first match point to reach her first major semi-final where she will face either two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova or first seed and home hope Ash Barty.