Maria Sharapova has suddenly become the one to beat in the Australian Open women’s singles, thanks to a devastating 6-4, 6-0 win over world number one Justin Henin in the quarter finals.
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Sharapova - who had beaten the Belgian just twice in their previous eight meetings - monstered Henin with the sort of immense power that has led her to two grand slam titles. For Sharapova, the 98 minute annihilation was simply one extended highlights package. The Russian flew out of the blocks, intimidating Henin with sublime ground strokes. As fans at Rod Laver Arena were finding their seats, Sharapova powered to 3-0 lead in just 9 minutes.
Henin slowly played her way back, eventually breaking back when down 3-5.
The reprieve was short-lived.
The tenth game saw Henin save three set points. An extensive rally, perhaps the best of the women’s tournament to date, gave the Russian a fourth set point, with a superb Sharapova lunging backhand forcing Henin to dump a volley into the net.
The second set started in the same vein as the first, with Sharapova winning the first three games. However, the 5th seed extended her advantage, gaining a second break thanks to an almost obscene passing shot from well beyond the baseline.
The end came quickly. Sharapova handed Henin her first 0-6 set score line since 2002.
The enormity of the landslide win cannot be underestimated, with Henin sitting on a 33 match winning streak before tonight. The world number one has not tasted defeat since falling to Marion Bartoli in the semi finals of Wimbledon.
Sharapova will meet 3rd seed Jelena Jankovic in the semi-finals.
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