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Same old story as Serena Williams crushes Maria Sharapova for 18th time in a row to reach Aussie Open semis

Russian rival out-muscled yet again by the American great

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Maria Sharapova can hardly look at Serena Williams after losing to her yet again. Photo: Reuters

World number one Serena Williams destroyed Maria Sharapova for an 18th straight time Tuesday to inflict more pain on her long-time Russian rival and power into the Australian Open semi-finals.

The six-time Melbourne Park champion out-muscled the fifth seed 6-4, 6-1 and will meet Agnieszka Radwanska for a place in the final as she moves closer to matching Steffi Graf’s Open-era grand slam record of 22 titles.

The signs for Radwanska are ominous – every time the American has got past the quarter-final at Melbourne Park she has gone on to win the tournament, including last year when she also beat Sharapova.

Serena Williams serves on her way to an 18th win in a row over Sharapova. Photo: EPA
Serena Williams serves on her way to an 18th win in a row over Sharapova. Photo: EPA

Radwanska easily disposed of Spanish 10th seed Carla Suarez 6-1, 6-3 win on Rod Laver Arena.

But, while her record against Williams is not yet on the scale of Sharapova, it is still dismal.

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