Serena Williams: beats Sharapova again

Serena Williams has proven once again that Russia’s Maria Sharapova is a mismatch as she crushed the Russian under a sweltering Melbourne sun 6-4 6-1.

Serena did not even play her A-Game as she was aided by the Russian’s string of double faults and unforced errors to clinch the quarter final victory.

She next meets Agnieszka Radwanska, who had earlier beaten Spanish woman Carla Suarez, 6-1 6-3.

The victory improved  Serena’s career record against Sharapova to 19-2, and 6-1 at Grand Slams.

After the win, Williams said the match was full of fight despite the lopsided scoreline.

Bye Bye: Serena shakes hands with Sharapova

“It was super intense. She is an incredibly intense, focused player,” Williams said of Sharapova post-match.

“When you’re playing someone like that you have to come out with your own fire and intensity.”

The No. 1 seed said she was feeling fresh and healthy heading into her semi-final against Agnieszka Radwanksa on Thursday.

Williams added that she didn’t feel any pressure on herself to win a seventh Australian Open title, but admitted a roadblock in Radwanska could shake things up, saying the No. 4 seed has one of the best defensive games on the tour.

“She is a great defender and I think it will be a great match. I’m going to do my best, I have nothing to lose,” Williams said on Tuesday.

The pair will face off in Melbourne on Thursday.