Australian Open: Serena Cruise Past Sharapova As Federer Advance To Semis

This will be the first meeting between two players who are bound to feel some degree of anxiety - Konta because she's never been this far at a major (she lost in the first round in six of her previous eight main-draw appearances), and Kerber because she'll be expected to roll through the match to reach her first Grand Slam final. Today, we will be providing point-by-point updates and analysis of the semifinal match-up between world number one and reigning champion Serena Williams of the United States, and world number four Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland, as well as insight and preview information from now until game time.

In the men's category, Roger Federer advanced to his 39th Grand Slam semifinal, beating No. 6-ranked Tomas Berdych 7-6 (4), 6-2, 6-4 in the quarterfinals. William only needed two sets to dispatch the Siberian Siren 6-4 6-1 as she comes closer to tying Steffi Graf's record of 22 Grand Slam singles titles.

The signs are not good for Radwanska, despite her convincing 6-1, 6-3 win over Spanish 10th seed Carla Suarez Navarro at the Rod Laver Arena.

The American defending champion, seeded number one and chasing a 22nd Grand Slam title, saw off fifth seed Sharapova 6-4 6-1 at Melbourne Park.

The Pole added that the experience she gained from making the Wimbledon final in 2012 and three other major semis would be crucial.

Sharapova struck a career-high 21 aces Sunday against Belinda Bencic when rain forced their encounter to be played indoors, but Mouratoglou doubted she could do it again.

Sharapova hadn't beaten Williams since 2004 but taking a 2-0 lead on a sunny day, with temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), must have given fans of the Russian, who is the world's richest female athlete, hope.

The Russian had opportunities, most notably with two break points at the end of the first set, but Williams delivered at the decisive moment and it was one-way traffic thereafter. Williams loves returning shots with pace and she has no trouble with Sharapova's serve.

She mucked up three set points, twice thundering a return into the net. I mean, yes, he played good. I don't know. It's something about her game.

Williams appears to be at her dominant best entering the semifinals.

Despite her win, Williams have nothing bad to say of Sharapova.

"She played quite explosive".

"I think if you're serving maybe 180 (kph) against somebody else compared to Serena, that's an ace", said the 28-year-old.

The Melbourne Park top seed, who next faces Agnieszka Radwanska, is proud to still be playing and at the top of her game.

"I have been spending a lot of time learning about myself this trip", Williams said, according to The Guardian.

One of these days Maria Sharapova may actually defeat Serena Williams. Williams has won each of their last 18 matches. "I think her serve's improved; it's a bit harder, better placement, a lot more first serves in".

She refused to blame the injury for her exit in Melbourne, but said it was an issue she now wanted to get sorted out. However, the WTA's world No. 1 understands she still needs to win her next match against Radwanska in the semifinal stage of the tournament.

"It's motivating because she's at a different level. I think since the beginning of (this) tournament she plays very well".