Maria Sharapova advanced to a grudge-match US Open semi-final against top seed Victoria Azarenka while Serena Williams booked a last-four berth for the fourth time in five years in overwhelming fashion. Russian third seed Sharapova reached the semi-finals for the first time since her 2006 US Open title run by rallying to defeat French 11th seed Marion Bartoli 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a match that began on Tuesday but was halted by rain. Sharapova, who improved to 12-0 in three-set matches this year, faces a Friday showdown against World No. 1 Azarenka who beat Sharapova 6-3, 6-0 in last January’s Australian Open final. “Tough challenge,” Sharapova said. “She beat me in Australia quite easily and I would love to get my revenge at a Grand Slam.”
