INDIAN WELLS, Calif. -- Switzerland's Emmanuelle Gagliardi and Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia strolled into uncharted territory by reaching the semifinals of the $2.1 million Indian Wells Masters tournament on Tuesday.

Gagliardi, an eight-year WTA Tour veteran and the surprise package of the event, advanced to her first major semifinal with a 6-2, 6-1 victory against Israel's Anna Smashnova, the winner of two titles this season.

"You always believe in yourself," No. 70 Gagliardi said. "When you practice, you practice for this moment. I've never achieved this up until now, playing in the semis of a big tournament, but that's what I've been working for."

While stardom has been predicted for 18-year-old Hantuchova, her appearance in the last four was also something of a shock as the 18th seed brushed aside 12th-seeded American Lisa Raymond 6-4, 6-2 to progress to her first semifinal in a Tier I event.

The Slovak, who joined the professional ranks two years ago, possesses plenty of big match experience already having won mixed doubles titles at the Australian Open and Wimbledon.

But this week Hantuchova has made her mark on the singles stage, especially after her 6-3, 6-3 fourth-round defeat of third seed and Wimbledon finalist Justine Henin of Belgium.

While Hantuchova's victory over Raymond was less spectacular, her performance was no less effective as she disposed of the American in just 70 minutes.

"(Raymond) had more experience than me, but I knew I had a big chance after beating Justine yesterday," said Hantuchova, who will meet Gagliardi in the semifinals on Thursday.

"I was focusing on every single point. I have a big chance now to get to the final. I've never played (Gagliardi) before but she's also having a very good tournament."

Having saved five match points in a gritty fourth-round victory against Russia's Anastasia Myskina, Gagliardi was more economical in her effort against Smashnova, breaking the Israeli at the first opportunity in each set to gain control.

Gagliardi knows that Hantuchova is playing well after defeating Justine Henin and noted that her semifinal opponent also played well in Australia against Venus Williams.

"She's a very aggressive player and goes for her shots," Gagliardi said. "She likes to win points very fast. It's going to be a tough match."