Australian Open: Serena Williams destroys Maria Sharapova to reach semis

“I just really wanted to focus on when I first walk out there to be ready to go from the first point, then that way I don’t necessarily have to play from behind”, she said, before adding for emphasis, “which I can do clearly, and I proved that previous year”.

“In hindsight, that win (against top players) give me more confidence”, she told the press.

Angelique Kerber will be Williams’ opponent in Saturday’s final on the Rod Laver Arena. Kerber said Graf “is still in shape and she is hitting very hard and moving still like she was moving a few years ago”. That’s pretty good for a 34-year-old! She says those titles have given her a little bit of extra confidence in Melbourne.

Federer also has some inspiration in his next match against Djokovic.

Roger Federer has plenty to celebrate – and not just because it’s Australia Day.

Federer still has his work cut out for him – he has never come back from two sets down against Djokovic to win a five-set match.

Williams romped through the first set in just 20 minutes before Radwanska showed some fight in the second. Kerber grabbed a 3-0 lead before the Brit found her game and flew back to make it 3-3. But Williams held in the third game and broke to quickly level at 2-2.

Djokovic won the second set in 32 minutes.

It was a sign of what was to come as Williams crushed her opponent from the outset, storming into a 5-0 lead and leaving the crowd wondering if the Pole would ever get on the board.

Zhang Shuai of China reached the quarterfinals by beating American Madison Keys 3-6, 6-3, 6-3. The mixed doubles final is scheduled for Sunday.

The six-time Australian Open champion, Serena Williams attacked Maria Sharapova’s strength with full force to beat her 6-4, 6-1 in the quarterfinals on Tuesday. “I think the first set was definitely key to the rest of the match because I think it maybe might’ve taken some energy out of Tomas”.

Federer advanced to his 39th Grand Slam event semifinal.

“I’m really excited to be in the final”.

The win will move her to a tie with Steffi Graf for the most in the Open era.

Radwanska suggested the world number one may be unbeatable in this kind of mood.

Williams accused former boyfriend Grigor Dimitrov of having a “black heart” after he switched his affections to Sharapova, who earns more from sponsorships.

Serena Williams beat Maria Sharapova for the 18th time in a row to reach the Australian Open semi-finals.

“Hopefully, I can play my best tennis or I’ll be in trouble”, said the 26-year-old, who is on a 13-match winning streak.

The chirping intensified as Williams served in the sixth game of the second set, and she looked up angrily after her off-balance forehand from the baseline conceding her only service break of the match.

Yet despite being the undisputed world number one, winning eight of the last 14 Grand Slams, she said she did not allow herself to reflect on her record or relax. Williams had 18 winners in the first set.