Australian Open women's semifinals
Tennis

Australian Open women's semifinals

Published 0953 GMT (1753 HKT) January 29, 2015
Share
Serena MariaSerena Maria
1 of 10
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. Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Sharapova had some early issues with her serve but sorted those out and eased past fellow Russian Ekaterina Makarova 6-3 6-2. Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Sharapova is bidding to win a first grand slam title outside Roland Garros in seven years. Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
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. Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Williams' record in semifinals in Melbourne improved to 6-0. Scott Barbour/Getty Images
Keys, appearing in her first grand slam semifinal, didn't go down meekly. The 19-year-old saved eight match points. Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
Williams and Sharapova last met in a grand slam final at the 2013 French Open, with Williams prevailing. Julian Finney/Getty Images
Williams has won most of their encounters, holding a 16-2 record versus the Russian. One of those wins came last year in Miami. Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Sharapova last beat Williams in 2004 at the year-end championships. Robert Laberge/Getty Images
And Sharapova opened her grand slam account against Williams at Wimbledon in 2004. Phil Cole/Getty Images)