Capriati crushes Mauresmo for Open semi berth

Jennifer Capriati took another big step in her Australian Open title defence when she thrashed seventh seed Amelie Mauresmo 6-2, 6-2 on Wednesday to reach the semifinals.

Capriati was allowed to dictate the terms of the match by the powerful but inconsistent Frenchwoman, who mixed strong ground strokes with 34 unforced errors to hand the American the Melbourne Park centre court match in just 65 minutes.

"I've got a lot to be happy for, this is where it all counts, how you do in the grand slams," Capriati said after reaching her fifth consecutive grand slam semifinal.

"We're in the second week and it is getting down to the moment where all the best players are going to bring their best game," she told Channel Seven television.

Mauresmo, a Melbourne finalist in 1999, clearly didn't bring her best game for her quarter-final against Capriati.

The Frenchwoman was trying to fight her way back into the match in the second set but instead gifted Capriati a crucial break of serve in the third game.

The 22-year-old Frenchwoman hit three doubles faults and two wild backhand errors on the way to surrendering a 40-15 lead. Mauresmo never recovered and meekly gave up her serve again two games later.

Capriati showed few signs of the right hip flexor strain that has troubled her since a warm-up event in Sydney two weeks ago.

"I had to be really ready today and determined," Capriati said.

She will play fourth seed Kim Clijsters in the semifinals after Clijsters earlier downed Belgian compatriot and sixth seed Justine Henin 6-2 6-3.

Capriati also claimed the 2001 French Open title when she beat Clijsters 1-6 6-4 12-10 in the final.

Capriati said she felt her game was at least as good as it was at the same stage in Melbourne last year.

"It feels like I've definitely just graduated to the next level," she said.

"I feel a bit better than last year but it will be hard to top that," Capriati said.