Williams into Melbourne semis with Sharapova scalp

Up next for her is fourth-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska, who beat No. 10 Carla Suarez Navarro 6-1, 6-3 to reach a Grand Slam semifinal for the fifth time.

Serena is one win away from acquiring her 22nd Grand Slam and her seventh Australian Open title.

With Radwanska having never beaten Williams in eight previous attempts, fans wondered what the Polish star could do to turn things her way.

The world No. 1 was faultless in the one hour and four minute demolition, amassing a staggering 42 winners to Radwanska’s four during the straight sets win: 6-0, 6-4.

“Serena is really showing her great tennis on all the Grand Slams”.

But Kerber will still start as a huge underdog in Saturday’s title match against Williams, who has won all six of the Australian Open finals she has contested, including last year’s decider against Maria Sharapova.

“I’m really excited to be in another final; it kind of blows my mind”.

Sharapova handed back her early break with two double faults in game four but started the match well and offered a genuine test in the 55-minute opening stanza. She also won 80% of her first serves, with Radwanska left struggling to reach the American’s shots.

Confirming she’s interested in competing for Poland at the upcoming Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Radwanska will be confident knowing she’s playing near-career best tennis.

“Mentally I needed that break after the U.S. Open”, Williams said on court after the win.

Despite knee problems in the build-up to Melbourne, Williams is now into her 26th Grand Slam final without dropping a set, and with the loss of just 26 games. Graf was the last German player to win the women’s title in Australia, in 1994, and Kerber is asking for some advice.

All told, Serena won 86 percent of her first-serve points and posted a ridiculous 38-4 advantage in total winners as she cruised into the Australian Open final against arguably one of the hottest players in the field.

The first men’s semifinal between defending champion Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer will open the night session Thursday.

Williams warned the media not to underestimate Kerber, noting she will be the first lefty Williams will have faced in this tournament.

In announcing the review, ATP chairman Chris Kermode said the reports had “caused damage to the sport”, which compelled the major stakeholders in tennis – the International Tennis Federation, ATP and WTA tours, and the four Grand Slams – to take quick action. She’ll play each Angelique Kerber of Germany or surprise first time semifinalist Johanna Konta of Great Britain, who play in the second semifinal.

Williams’ win over Sharapova was the marquee match of the day, improving her record to 19-2 in a rivalry that goes back to 2004.

The world No. 1 was in a destructive mood early, blasting her way through the opening set before closing out a 6-0, 6-4 victory.

A continuation of Williams’ first-set form won’t give Kerber – or anyone else – much chance, according to Radwanska’s coach.

“I accept the score but at least it should be five games in the second set”, said Wiktorowski.

“It took me forever to get to 18”.

Radwanska barely won a point as fans at Melbourne Park, not to mention millions around the world on television, looked on.