Melbourne, Australia ? David Nalbandian advanced to the Australian Open semifinals for the first time, overwhelming veteran Frenchman Fabrice Santoro, 7-5, 6-0, 6-0, today.

The fourth-seeded Nalbandian was down a break in the first set, but reeled off 14 consecutive games to dominate the day’s first quarterfinal.

Martina Hingis’ comeback has gone so smoothly that she’s in the Australian Open quarterfinals against second-seeded Kim Clijsters following a three-year layoff.

Back on the tour for just three weeks, the three-time Australian Open champion advanced Monday with a 6-1, 7-6 (8) victory over Samantha Stosur.

Her Swiss compatriot Roger Federer overcame an uncharacteristic 58 errors in his 6-4, 6-0, 3-6, 4-6, 6-2 fourth-round victory over Tommy Haas.