It was supposed to be a walk in the park for world number two Maria Sharapova, but the Russian was crushed in straight sets by Chinese Li Na in the semifinals of the Australian Open.

Li was authoritative and dominant in a 6-2, 6-2 win over Sharapova, who was fancied to win the Australian Open following the exit of Serena Williams.

"I always play well here," Li said after her comfortable victory.

Li clearly came out with a strategy of going all guns blazing from the word go, and it paid off handsomely as Sharapva rarely had any answer to the Chinese's groundstrokes.

"I think she played a really great match," Sharapova said. "She was certainly much more aggressive than I was, dictating the play. I was always on the defense.

"When I had my opportunities and breakpoints in games that went to deuce, I don't think any of them really went my way today."

Li hit 21 winners to Sharapova's 17, while making a mere 18 unforced errors, with her opponent suffering 32 of those.

The world number six was better at converting her break points as well, taking advantage of five of her ten opportunities, while Sharapova only managed one break in seven tries.

"You lose a match and you go on to the next one," Sharapova added. "I've been in this position before. I've come through it. I'm tough. 

"I'm not afraid to go out and keep working, work as hard as I can to be quicker, better, improve in these situations, and when I have another chance, take it."

The result means two of the favorites for the title are out, meaning defending champion Victoria Azarenka, who faces Sloane Stephens later, is one step closer to a second straight title.

However, as Li showed against Sharapova Thursday, underestimate her at your own peril, something that her semifinal opponent will certainly attest to.

"There's no reason why she can't win," Sharapova said.