Maria is through to the semis of the Australian Open for the sixth time in her career after she defeated No.19 seed Ekaterina Makarova of Russia 6-2 6-2 in 66 minutes.

Maria hit a forehand down the line to get the first break of the first set to lead 2-1. In the next game Makarova got the break back but Maria got the third consecutive break in the fifth game when Makarova double-faulted to lead 3-2. Maria got a double break  advantage to lead 5-2 with a forehand return of serve winner. In the next game Maria sealed the set with an ace as she won the set 6-2 in 31 minutes.

The momentum Maria gained from the first set continued in the second set as Maria broke in the first game when Makarova netted a shot. Maria then got a second break when Makarova hit a shot to lead 4-1. In the final game of the match, Maria hit an ace to book her spot in the semis.

In Thursday's semis, Maria will play No.6 seed Li Na of China. Maria leads the series 8-4. Here are the matches they have played against each other:
2005 Australian Open R3: Maria won 6-0 6-2
2006 Miami R2: Maria won 6-2 6-4
2006 Birmingham R3: Maria won 6-2 6-4
2006 US Open R4: Maria won 6-4 6-2
2009 Roland Garros R4: Maria won 6-4 0-6 6-4
2009 Birmingham SF: Li won 6-4 6-4
2010 Birmingham F: Li won 7-5 6-1
2011 Roland Garros SF: Li won 6-4 7-5
2011 WTA Championships RR: Li won 7-6 6-4
2012 Miami QF: Maria won 6-3 6-0
2012 Rome F: Maria won 4-6 6-4 7-6
2012 Beijing SF: Maria won 6-4 6-0