Defending champion Victoria Azarenka overcame injury problems to defeat American youngster Sloane Stephens set up an Australian Open final with Li Na. Azarenka left the court for around 10 minutes to have medical treatment on what appeared to be a neck injury after Stephens had saved no less than five match points. The Belarusian broke the American in the next game to win. China's Na Li thrashed Maria Sharapova 6-2 6-2 in the first semi-final. Tournament favourite Sharapova had only dropped nine games in her previous five matches but struggled with her serve throughout the semi final.
Li, aged 30, broke Sharapova three times to take the opening set and then broke the Russian again in the fifth game of the second set. Li, the first Asian player to win a Grand Slam title, took only 93 minutes to end Sharapova's hopes. "Every time I'm back in Australia, I always feel something here," said the 2011 French Open winner. "I always play well here. Everyone can be nervous in a final, so I have to enjoy it. I'm looking forward to it."
Li said her success was down to the ability of being calm on court. "Maybe before I was angry or something. Start of this year, I try to cool down on the court.," she said. "You don't have to show opponent what are you thinking. A little bit like Hollywood, but not real." Sharapova, a four-time Grand Slam winner, hit six double faults and made 32 errors in an unexpected poor display. However, the Russian praised her opponent for the win.
"I think she played a really great match," said the 25-year-old. "She was certainly much more aggressive than I was and dictating the play. I was always on the defence. When I had my opportunities and break points in games that went to deuce, I don't think any of them really went my way today."
The women's final will take place on Saturday, here are the odds for the match from Bet365:
Victoria Azarenka to win - 4/7
Na Li to win - 11/8
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