Maria Sharapova setup a clash with Li Na in the Australian Open semi-finals, as David Ferrer came from two sets down to knock out compatriot Nicolas Almagro in thrilling fashion.
Sharapova has been one of the form players in this tournament so far, and rarely put a foot wrong in a comfortable 6-2, 6-2 victory over fellow Russian Ekaterina Makarova in the quarterfinals.
The world No. 2 will now face Li in the final-four, after the Chinese toppled Agnieszka Radwanska in her quarterfinal match.
Earlier, world number four Ferrer refused to throw in the towel against his Spanish compatriot Almagro, after the latter had taken the first two sets. Ferrer roared back in the final three sets, eventually prevailing 4-6, 4-6, 7-5, 7-6 (4), 6-2 in three hours and 44 minutes.
"I try to fight every point, every game," a relieved and drained looking Ferrer told reporters after the match. "I know all the players in important moments we are nervous. I know that.
"I try to do my best. Today I was close to losing, sure. But finally I came back.
"It's very difficult to win (against) Nico. I think he played better than me in the first set. There was a break. I played bad in myself in one break. In the second, I didn't play good.
"In the third, I feel better with my game. I can play more aggressive.
"I think it was not the best match we (have) played together. But the important (aspect) is the victory, and I won."
Almagro bemoaned the fact that his singles adventure come to an end, despite looking in total control after the first two sets, with a slight injury hampering his movement from the third set.
"I don't know what (went) wrong," the tenth seed said. "I think I played a really good match today. I think was a great battle.
"Well, at the end (it) was really tough because I just start to feel some things in 4-3 in the third set on my ankle and on my adductor.
"Well, after that (it) was really tough and he started to play better and better and he is the winner."
Ferrer will now face the winner between Novak Djokovic and Tomas Berdych, who are scheduled to play in the night session.
"Amazing players," Ferrer added. "Of course, Novak, he's the No. 1 of the world. He's the favorite for to win the Australian Open.
"I will see the match tonight. Anyway, I will have to play better than today to win, sure."
