Sharapova cruises into final of Australian Open

Maria Sharapova’s relentless pursuit of the Australian Open title continued today as she defeated Jelena Jankovic 6-3 6-1 to make it through to a second successive final at Melbourne Park.

Sharapova, who outclassed world number one and former Australian champions Justine Henin in the quarter-finals, handed out similar punishment to her Serbian opponent, who appeared to be struggling with injury in the second set.