Sharapova: Likely Australian Open Queen 2012 as she moves into finals

Maria Sharapova has avenged her Wimbledon loss to Petra Kvitova and returned to the Australian Open final for the first time since winning 2008 title.

Sharapova broke Kvitova's serve in the last game to finish off a 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 victory and set up a championship match against third-seeded Victoria Azarenka. 

The third-seeded Belarusian ousted defending champion Kim Clijsters earlier Thursday to reach her first Grand Slam final.

Whoever wins the final also will gain the No. 1 ranking.


Read more: Sports Illustrated

Posted in: Australian Open 2012, Tennis