The number 1 seeds outlasted unseeded Americans Richie Reneberg and Jonathan Stark 6-4 7-6 (7/5) 6-3 in one hour 53 minutes to set up a semi-final clash with either Wayne Ferreira and Rick Leach or Patrick Galbriath and Paul Haarhuis.

``We've worked really hard for the last three years and really believe a Grand Slam is within us,'' said Paes. ``We know what we are capable of and, it'll come.''

They looked comfortable in front of a packed court one, holding serve throughout, hustling the Americans off court with strong net play.

And their antics on-court have been a hit, with their chest bumping going down a storm. Paes says he does it to fire his partner.

It worked yesterday with Bhupathi saying he had never volleyed better.

An outstanding 1998 brought the pair six titles, doubling their career total to 12, with a win-loss ratio of 52-14 andpropelling them to No 2 in the world rankings.

They made the semi-finals at three Grand Slams last year, including the Australian Open, where they lost to eventual winners Jonas Bjorkman and Jacco Eltingh.