"I am really happy she is in a semi-final -- look at her now, she is in a semi-final after having two babies. It is an amazing story."

Maria, 34, who saved two match points in the previous round against Jelena Ostapenko, made her Grand Slam debut in 2007 and had never progressed beyond the third round at a major before this year's Wimbledon.

"I have goosebumps everywhere," said the world number 103, who returned from maternity leave just under a year ago.

"My two little girls, it's a dream to live this with my family, to live this with my two girls. Almost one year ago I gave birth, it's crazy."

The remaining quarter-finals take place on Wednesday.

In the men's event, Rafael Nadal faces Taylor Fritz of the United States while Nick Kyrgios takes on Chile's Cristian Garin.

Simona Halep, the 2019 women's champion, tackles Amanda Anisimova of the United States while Ajla Tomljanovic takes on big-serving Elena Rybakina.

Agencies via Xinhua