The 24-year-old Russian’s best performance in six previous trips to Melbourne was the fourth round — she’d gone out in the first round at the Australian Open three times, including last year.
Seventh-seeded Zvonareva, who hasn’t dropped a set in five matches, rallied from an opening service break to dominate 2007 Wimbledon finalist Bartoli in the remainder of their quarterfinal
“I’m very excited about it,” Zvonareva said. “I think it was a great day for me.”
Bartoli of France, seeded 16th, had ousted top-ranked Jelena Jankovic in the fourth round.
ALSO ON THIS STORY
Vote: Who will win women's draw?Discuss: Sound off on tennis at Newsvine.com
Zvonareva starts strong, rolls into semifinals
