The Russian, runner-up at Melbourne Park in two of the past three years, raced to victory in 90 minutes to set up a clash with top seed and defending champion Roger Federer or four-times winner Andre Agassi, the eighth seed.
Hrbaty had beaten French Open champion Gaston Gaudio and former Australian Open winner Thomas Johansson on his way to the last eight but he was helpless as an inspired Safin crunched 33 winners.
With the roof on Rod Laver Arena closed because of extreme heat, the Russian looked completely at ease and cruised through the second and third sets.
Match statistics:
| Safin | Hrbaty | |
| 1st serve percentage | 49% | 44% |
| Aces | 14 | 2 |
| Double faults | 2 | 0 |
| Winning % on 1st serve | 30 of 34 - 88% | 20 of 32 - 63% |
| Winning % on 2nd serve | 20 of 35 - 57% | 17 of 40 - 43% |
| Winners (including service) | 33 | 12 |
| Unforced errors | 21 | 29 |
| Break point conversions | 6 of 8 - 75% | 1 of 4 - 25% |
| Net approaches | 10 of 17 - 59% | 7 of 10 - 70% |
| Total points won | 85 | 56 |
| Match duration one hour 30 minutes | ||