January 26, 2016
Serena Williams Beats Maria Sharapova and Advances to Semifinals
In Melbourne, Australia, tennis champion Serena Williams defeated long-time rival Maria Sharapova for an 18th time on Tuesday, clearing her into the 2016 semifinals.
[Related: Serena Williams Loses to Roberta Vinci 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the U.S. Open semifinals]
While Sharapova had a strong first set against Williams, Williams was ultimately named victor, winning 6-4, 6-1. Though Williams said she couldn’t really explain her 11-year domination over her, she did say, “When I play her, I know automatically I have to step up my game. I think that makes me play better.”
Next up, Williams will play No. 4 seed Agnieszka Radwanska, who she has an 8-0 head-to-head lead against, including their meeting in the 2012 Wimbledon final. Radwanska told Yahoo Sports, “I have nothing to lose and it does not matter who I play. Hopefully I can play my best tennis or I’ll be in trouble.” In the past, she has won one of four semifinals at a major, but never a Grand Slam title.
[Below: Watch video of Williams vs. Radwanska in the 2012 WC Final]
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