Sharapova and Ivanovic reach final

Maria Sharapova will meet Ana Ivanovic in the final of the Australian Open after contrasting semi-finals.

Sharapova beat old friend Jelena Jankovic 6-3 6-1 to reach the final for the second year running.

Jankovic needed treatment to her right hip and lower back during the match and was seen crying on court as Sharapova surged to victory.

Sharapova knows Jankovic well as they grew up together at the same tennis academy in Florida and she was aware the Serbian could be a threat even though she was carrying an injury.

Sharapova said: "I kept momentum going, and she's always dangerous when she's down. She's proven that in this tournament. I was happy I was able to close that first set out and then get through the second."

Ivanovic lost the first eight games of her semi-final against Daniela Hantuchova but bounced back to win 0-6 6-3 6-4.

A disappointed Hantuchova claimed Ivanovic used underhand tactics while waiting to receive serve by shuffling her feet and making squeaking noises with her shoes.

Hantuchova said: "That was ridiculous, I think. I was really surprised with that. I think it's unfair. It's a distraction to the server. We played before and she never did it."

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