Johannesburg: World number one Serena Williams outmuscled long-time Russian rival Maria Sharapova for an 18th straight time to progress through to the Australian Open semifinals on Tuesday.
The 21-time Grand Slam champion remained on course for her seventh title at Melbourne Park after overcoming fifth seed Sharapova 6-4, 6-1.
Serena, who is aiming to match Steffi Graf’s Open-era Grand Slam record of 22 titles, will next face Agnieszka Radwanska to secure a place in the final.
Sharapova had claimed her last win over Serena in the 2004 WTA Championships. (ANI)