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Sharapova looks to end her losing run against Kvitova
Maria Sharapova feels Petra Kvitova remains clear favourite after setting up a semi-final encounter with the Czech at the Australian Open.
Sharapova was too strong for Ekaterina Makarova – the conqueror of Serena Williams in the previous round – while Kvitova struggled to get past Sara Errani, 6-4 6-4.
Although the No 2 seed may have turned in an error-filled display in seeing off the world No 48, she has won her last two meetings with Sharapova, including the Wimbledon final last year.
The Russian is expecting another tough encounter.
“I’ve lost to her the last couple of times – including obviously the big one at Wimbledon where she played really well,” she said.
“I think she’s the one to beat right now, she’s playing the best tennis of her career, coming off so many wins last year. I’m looking forward to the match-up.
“I don’t like losing so many times in a row so I’ll certainly be going out there and trying to play my best.”
Sharapova was the more impressive of the two, a ruthlessly efficient display accounting for Makarova, who acquitted herself well in her first grand slam quarter-final.
“It was solid,” said Sharapova.
“I thought she was going to play well coming off a big win, probably the biggest of her career.
“It was really important for me not to give her too much of a look at the open court.”
In a match of hard-hitting baseline rallies, fourth seed Sharapova possessed the greater accuracy, to move through 6-2 6-3.
The 2008 champion here, Sharapova has made smooth progress with her only dropped set coming against Sabine Lisicki in round four.
Indeed, the only shadow being cast is the issue of grunting which has again been raised with Sharapova and her fellow semi-finalist Victoria Azarenka named as the worst offenders.
Agnieszka Radwanska, beaten by Azarenka in the last eight, spoke out after her loss and expressed hope the WTA would take action.
When asked about Radwanska’s comments, Sharapova snapped: “Isn’t she back in Poland already?”
Colin Fleming’s Australian Open campaign came to an end as the Scot and American partner Liezel Huber lost their mixed doubles quarter-final to Mahesh Bhupathi and Sania Mirza, 7-6 (7/5) 6-2.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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