Sharapova and Li Into Aussie Open Semis
Maria Sharapova continued her strong performance at the 2013 Australian Open with a straight-set win over Ekatrina Makarova en route to a semifinal matchup against Li Na. The number two-ranked Sharapova had a 6-2, 6-2 quarterfinal win over fellow Russian Makarova on Rod Laver Arena and has spent just five hours and15 minutes on court total so far in the tournament.
"To be honest, those are not the stats you want to be known for," said Sharapova.
After opening with pair of 6-0, 6-0 wins, Sharapova defeated seven-time major winner Venus Williams 6-1, 6-3 in the third round and Belgian Kristen Flipkens 6-0, 6-1 in the fourth. Sharapova lost in the finals of the 2012 Australian Open before winning the French Open to complete a career Grand Slam of the majors.
The 30-year-old Li advanced to her third semifinal in four years at Melbourne Park with a 7-5, 6-3 win over Agnieszka Radwanska, ending Radwanska’s 13-match winning streak.
”She’s a tough player. I was feeling today against a wall,” said Li, who lost the 2011 Australian Open final to Kim Clijsters only months before her Grand Slam breakthrough at the French Open.
The quarterfinals on the other half of the women’s draw will take place Wednesday, with American teenager Sloane Stephens facing Serena Williams, who is aiming for a third consecutive major title, and defending champion Victoria Azarenka against two-time major winner Svetlana Kuznetsova.
