Maria Sharapova’s dominant Australian Open performance came to a screatching hault in her semifinal match against Li Na.
Na, 30, beat the second seeded Sharapova, 25, in straight sets 6-2, 6-2.
Though the score was widespread, the match was closely contested with many long deuce games in Na’s favour.
The first set lasted 48 minutes, followed by a 45 minute second set.
To her credit, Sharapova kept her composure during a frustrating match. Something that is not normally the case for the hot-headed Russian star.
Sharapova was storming her way through her side of the draw. In five matches she had not dropped one set (neither had Li), and won five of her ten sets 6-0.
With the win, the fifth seeded Li will go into her second Australian Open final.
She has yet to drop a set this whole tournament.
Na was on top of her game against Sharapova, and dished out 21 winners against 18 unforced errors.
She won a total of 74 points compared to Sharapova’s 58.
Na will face the winner of the semifinal match between first seed Victoria Azarenka and upset minded American teenager, 29th seed Sloane Stephens.
To have succes against either semifinalist, Li will have to stay in the same frame of mind as displayed today.
