The top two in the women's game will be meeting in Saturday's final after Maria Sharapova, left, and Serena Williams won their semifinals in straight sets.
Australian Open women's semifinals —
The top two in the women's game will be meeting in Saturday's final after Maria Sharapova, left, and Serena Williams won their semifinals in straight sets.
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Sharapova had some early issues with her serve but sorted those out and eased past fellow Russian Ekaterina Makarova 6-3 6-2.
Australian Open women's semifinals —
Sharapova had some early issues with her serve but sorted those out and eased past fellow Russian Ekaterina Makarova 6-3 6-2.
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Sharapova is bidding to win a first grand slam title outside Roland Garros in seven years.
Australian Open women's semifinals —
Sharapova is bidding to win a first grand slam title outside Roland Garros in seven years.
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Williams fought off fellow American Madison Keys in the first set. She had an easier time in the second and advanced 7-6 (5) 6-2.
Australian Open women's semifinals —
Williams fought off fellow American Madison Keys in the first set. She had an easier time in the second and advanced 7-6 (5) 6-2.
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Williams' record in semifinals in Melbourne improved to 6-0.
Australian Open women's semifinals —
Williams' record in semifinals in Melbourne improved to 6-0.
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Keys, appearing in her first grand slam semifinal, didn't go down meekly. The 19-year-old saved eight match points.
Australian Open women's semifinals —
Keys, appearing in her first grand slam semifinal, didn't go down meekly. The 19-year-old saved eight match points.
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Williams and Sharapova last met in a grand slam final at the 2013 French Open, with Williams prevailing.
Australian Open women's semifinals —
Williams and Sharapova last met in a grand slam final at the 2013 French Open, with Williams prevailing.
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Williams has won most of their encounters, holding a 16-2 record versus the Russian. One of those wins came last year in Miami.
Australian Open women's semifinals —
Williams has won most of their encounters, holding a 16-2 record versus the Russian. One of those wins came last year in Miami.
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Sharapova last beat Williams in 2004 at the year-end championships.
Australian Open women's semifinals —
Sharapova last beat Williams in 2004 at the year-end championships.
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And Sharapova opened her grand slam account against Williams at Wimbledon in 2004.
Australian Open women's semifinals —
And Sharapova opened her grand slam account against Williams at Wimbledon in 2004.
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