Venus Williams recovered from a mid-match wobble to defeat Agnieszka Radwanska in Thursday's quarterfinals at the Qatar Total Open.

Last month, Williams provided a timely reminder of what she I capable of at tennis' showpiece events when she knocked out Radwanska in the last 16 of the Australian Open. And she proved this was no flash in the pan by prevailing in a see-saw battle at the Khalifa Tennis Complex, 6-4, 1-6, 6-3.

After sharing the first two sets, Williams surged ahead in the decider and, despite and 11th hour rally from the Pole, served out the match at the second time of asking, wrapping up victory with another thumping forehand down the line.

"Our last match was three sets and it felt like as soon as I thought I was going to win at 5-1, she hit nothing but winners. It was a challenge and I'm glad to have gotten through," Williams said. "I think she played even better than that match in Australia and she made it a challenge."

Williams is expecting another challenge in the last four, where she will face either Victoria Azarenka orCaroline Wozniacki.

"Every match has been three sets, so it's been really challenging - no one gives you a point, you have to fight, fight, fight for each point and I guess it'll be more of that tomorrow," Williams added.