Arina Rodionova celebrates wedding day with semi-final win

Arina Rodionova kicked off her wedding day with victory over Storm Sanders to move one step closer to qualifying for the Australian Open.

The Russian-born Australian Rodionova battled back from a set down in sweltering heat in Melbourne to secure a 1-6 6-4 7-5 victory in a morning match to advance to Sunday's final.

However, before playing Maddison Inglis for a spot in the main draw of the Australian Open on Sunday, Rodionova, will first marry Australian Rules football player Ty Vickery on Saturday afternoon.

Vickery was absent from Rodionova's wildcard semi-final, telling family and friends that as per tradition, he shouldn't see his future bride until the wedding service.

"I can't really speak," an emotional Rodionova told Tennis Australia's website after the match.

"I have a few hours to get ready and marry the most amazing guy ever and I'm so looking forward to it. It's going to be an amazing day today, and it already is.

"I have no idea how I won this match - I didn't play well but I just fought to the end and I guess that's what counts. It was really tough to play today mentally … obviously the wedding is on my mind.

"I'm just so excited to get married right now - a few more hours to go!

"Just a good day all round today."