American youngster Sloane Stephens could not continue her giant-killing act for the second straight day, falling to defending champion Victoria Azarenka in the semifinals of the Australian Open.
Azarenka was in total control of the match as she eased past her 19-year-old opponent, making her first semifinal appearance in a Grand Slam, with a 6-1, 6-4 victory.
Stephens was expected to provide a stiff test to the world No. 1 after knocking out Serena Williams in the quarterfinals Wednesday, but the experience and power of the Belarusian proved too much for the teenager at the end of the day.
Azarenka will now meet Li Na in the Melbourne final, after the Chinese breezed past Maria Sharapova in straight sets earlier.
Asked about her prospects winning her first Australian Open title, Li was guarded in her reply.
"At least now I'm sitting indoor," Li said after her earlier win over Sharapova. "They're still playing on the court.
"Doesn't matter. I mean, final is final. Only one player can win the match. So everyone for sure is fighting on the court. And also it is tough match because it is maybe so many thoughts on the court."
Li played some of her best tennis of her life against Sharapova, and the number six seed admitted there was a feeling inside her that said she was going to win the match.
"Beginning of the match I was nervous," the former French Open champ said. "I was happy I come back to semis again, but for some reason I really want to win the match.
"I don't know what happened today. Just come to the court, feeling like, OK, just do it. Yeah."
Having played in a Grand Slam final before, at the French Open in 2011, Li said she will be much better prepared this time around; ominous signs for Azarenka as she bids for her second straight Australian Open crown.
"I mean, 2011, first time to the Grand Slam final, I was a little bit shocked because I didn't know what I should do," Li added. "Also no one told me what I should do on the court.
"But this time I have more experience, so I think should be better."
