Desktop Site25 January 2012
Maria Sharapova made light work of Ekaterina Makarova in her quarter final match as she saw booked her place in the semi final for the loss of just five games.
The former world number one has looked in good form at the Australian Open, facing her first test in the fourth round against Sabine Lisicki.
But the forehand was on fine form today as she hit twenty six winners on her way to victory.
Makarova had beaten Serena Williams earlier in the tournament but she was unable to recapture that form as Sharapova was just too strong.
The Makarova serve came under fire immediately and while Sharapova squandered chances in game two she die not make the same mistake in game four.
She broke for the second time four games later to seal the opening set.
Makarova broke Sharapova at the beginning of the second set but she was unable to consolidate as the former world number one hit back immediately.
She broke for the second time in the set in the sixth game to seal a 6-3 6-2 win.
She will now face Kvitova in the final four and Sharapova had nothing but praise for her next opponent.
Speaking to Sky Sports she said: "I lost to her the last couple of times I played her.
"She's the one to beat, she's full of confidence and she's playing the best on tour."
Kvitova came through her quarter final against Sara Errani 6-4 6-4.
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw