Sharapova hungry for more shots at Serena

Serena’s last match against Maria was a 6-2, 6-4 at Wimbledon so Sharapova taking a set from Williams would be a moral victory.

Next up in her bid for a 19th grand slam title, Williams will face Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland in the semifinals. You don’t need to spend words on his achievements – he is a great champion and someone I have a lot of respect for.

The Swiss is on a four-match winning streak against the powerful Czech, but has lost their last two grand slam meetings. “She’s been playing really well towards the end of the year, and already this year she’s been very consistent”, the 34-year-old added. Williams has won each of their last 18 matches.

As for five time grand slam victor Sharapova is eyeing to repeat her Australian Open 2008 success story once again.

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

Sharapova had a career-high 21 aces in her previous win against No. 12 Belinda Bencic.

When the draw came out before the tournament, everyone wondered if No. 5 Maria Sharapova would land in No. 1 Serena Williams’s quarter due to her rankings drop.

Williams raced to a 5-0 lead in the second set and eased to victory. Spectators- including a woman with a sign reading: “Just Married But Willing to Exchange for Federer” – were firmly behind him, applauding Djokovic’s service faults and giving Federer a standing ovation when he broke to go ahead 4-2 in the third set.

“Well, she took out a really tough opponent in Victoria (Azarenka)”, Williams said of Kerber.

Now it was Sharapova’s turn to feel the heat as a cruel net cord prevented her from sealing the hold and a lengthy game ensued in which Williams carved out four set points.

She went on a five-game roll until Sharapova held in the second set, and then finished it off in the seventh game after saving break points.

That loss in NY has obviously resonated in her preparations for Melbourne Park, where she has appeared completely focussed since a testing first round clash with Italy’s Camila Giorgi.

“I have been playing this whole week aggressive”, she said.

Williams’ win over fourth-seeded Radwanska provided yet another reminder of her dominance in the women’s game. “Plus, when I play her, I know automatically I have to step up my game. Hopefully not. Unless you know something I don’t know”, she said when asked if this could be her last Australian Open.

“Tomas has caused me a lot of problems over the years”, said Federer, who improved to 16-6 against Berdych. It’s been a long time since a German won in Melbourne.

Notoriously cagey about injuries, Williams said it had been nothing more than a bit of treatment for food poisoning. “That’s why I’m going out there to try to win it”.

Jamie Murray and Brazil’s Bruno Soares are through to the men’s doubles final at the Australian Open after a 6-3, 6-1 win over the French team of Adrian Mannarino and Lucas Pouille.