But Belgium’s Clijsters, who captured her first grand slam at last year’s US Open, won 6-3 2-6 6-4.

Hingis, who quit the game at the age of 22 due to injury, will look back fondly on her return to the spotlight.

Playing as a wild card, she started the event in grand style by thrashing 30th seed Vera Zvonareva of Russia 6-1 6-2.

That victory served as the launchpad for a run to the last eight, with Emma Laine of Finland, Czech Iveta Benesova and Samantha Stosur of Australia all failing to win a set against Hingis.

But the 22-year-old Clijsters was a more accomplished opponent and one who has been in the best form of her career in recent months.

The second seed won the first four games en route to the opening set triumph but the Swiss battled back to level the match at one set apiece.

The second seeded Clijsters seized the initiative with an early break in the final set.

She led 3-1 before Hingis mounted another fightback and levelled the set at 3-3.

Hingis then failed to hold serve in the next game as Clijsters moved back in front and the Belgian won on her own serve for a 5-3 lead.

Hingis saved two match points to close to within 5-4 but Clijsters held her nerve and served out for the match.

It has been an excellent two days for the Belgians, with Justine Henin-Hardenne coming from behind to beat top seed and 2000 winner Lindsay Davenport in three sets on Tuesday.

Eighth seed Henin-Hardenne, the champion two years ago, will take on Maria Sharapova in the semi-finals.

It was not a good day for the Swiss because Hingis’ compatriot Patty Schnyder was brushed aside by Frenchwoman Amelie Mauresmo, 6-3 6-0.

Mauresmo and Clijsters will now meet for the right to play in the Australian Open final.