Sharapova Downs Jankovic to Reach Finals

Russian awaits winner of Ivanovic and Hantuchova match
By Doug Sweeney,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 24, 2008 2:40 AM CST
Sharapova Downs Jankovic to Reach Finals
Russia's Maria Sharapova celebrates after beating Serbia's Jelena Jankovic in their Women's semi final match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 24, 2008. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)   (Associated Press)

Maria Sharapova reached her second consecutive Australian Open final by blowing away Jelena Jankovic 6-3, 6-1. The fifth-seeded Russian, who lost badly to Serena Williams in last year’s championship match, was never in any serious trouble against the third-seeded Jankovic. The Serb battled shoulder and leg injuries throughout the tournament and was treated for a lower back injury during the match, reports Reuters.

The former Wimbledon and U.S. Open champion will play the winner of the other semifinal match, fourth seed Ana Ivanovic.  “I'm just looking forward to being the final again and whoever it is I hope I can produce some good tennis, said the 20-year-old Sharapova. (More tennis stories.)

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