Maria Sharapova into fourth Australian Open final

Sharapova, the 2008 champion, needed one hour and 27 minutes to beat the 10th seed 6-3 6-2.

The second semi-final is an all-American contest between Serena Williams and Madison Keys.

Britain's Andy Murray takes on Czech Tomas Berdych in the first men's semi-final at 08:30 GMT.

Sharapova coped well on serve with a testing wind to improve her record against Makarova to 6-0 and close in on a sixth major title.

The 27-year-old saved two break points in a testing 10-minute opening service game before easing into a 4-1 lead.

Makarova, 26, hinted at a comeback when she broke for 4-3 but Sharapova responded immediately and served out the set after 48 minutes.

When she hammered away a backhand for the double break at 3-0 in the second, there was no way back for Makarova.

Sharapova made it six games in a row, saving two more break points at 4-1, to seal a place in her 10th Grand Slam final.

(BBC)