Long-distance runners win and pass on to Australian Open finals: Safin (on the photo) ends Federer’s winning streak, Sharapova loses chances to Serena Williams

Safin ends Federer’s winning streak

Snapping Roger Federer’s 26-match winning streak, Russian Marat Safin shook off a match point in the fourth set and blew six of his own before toppling the defending champion, 5-7, 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 (8-6), 9-7, on Thursday night to pass on to the Australian Open final.

Swiss Roger Federer was on his hands and knees, his racket gone: "It's always going to hurt, no matter how great the match was. But at least you can leave the place feeling good about yourself, because I gave it all I had," the Australian Open defending champion said.

Fourth-seeded Marat Safin celebrated his 25th birthday on the day of his semi-final triumph over the defending champion.

The Russian player, 2000 US Open champion, defeated  Federer, who won four of the previous six Grand Slams, including three in 2004 the first man since Mats Wilander in 1988 to win a trio in a single season.

Now Safin awaits the winner of Friday’s semi-final between Australian Open second-seeded Andy Roddick of the US and third seed Lleyton Hewitt of Australia.

In women’s semi-final, Lindsay Davenport was two points away from defeat to Nathalie Dechy of France, Serena Williams just one against Russian Maria Sharapova. Both players found a way to win to set up an all-American final at the Australian Open.

"It definitely lived up to expectations," said Williams, who won her 13th straight match at Melbourne Park. "I was battling Maria and myself," Williams said, noting her 53 unforced errors.

"I played from my heart. I didn't take my chances," Maria Sharapova said. "There's nothing negative: I'm 17 years old and I've made it to the semifinals. I'm sad; it's a tough one to lose. But I've got a long way ahead of me," Russian “Masha”added.