Sharapova sets up China Open final against Kvitova post straight set win over Ivanovic

Russian tennis ace Maria Sharapova set up a China Open final with Petra Kvitova after they both powered through their semifinal matches on Saturday.

Sharapova beat Ana Ivanovic 6-0, 6-4 to advance to the finals. The Russian stormed through the first set but the Serbian world number nine staged a brace fightback in the second that culminated in her losing the second set eventually.

Ivanovic said she did not play at her usual standard during the game. She said that it was not about the last challenge adding that it was just very tough match for her, Sport24 reported.

The Serbian said that she felt really flat on the court, adding that she did not feel her best.

Kvitova, on the other hand, remained on course for a second consecutive women's title in China after she defeated Samantha Stosur 6-3, 5-7, 6-2 in her match. Their match was interrupted by rain with the Australian winning the second set.

But Kvitova eventually fought back to make her way to the final. She said that when they had the 30 minute break it was difficult, adding that she won the first set and was playing very good and then they stopped her.

Meanwhile, in the men's competition world number one Novak Djokovic continued his brilliant 100 percent record in Beijing, overpowering Andy Murray to set up a men's final against Tomas Berdych.

Djokovic overcame a brief fightback from Murray midway through the second set to claim a 6-3, 6-4 win. He said that he felt like he could swing through the ball.

Djokovic said that he could dictate the play from the baseline better than he did in the previous games in the second set.

The Serb is bidding for his fifth title in Beijing, a tournament he has won every year since 2009, apart from 2011 when he did not take part.

Djokovic would need to beat third seed Berdych after the world number six Czech eased past Martin Klizan of Slovakia 6-4, 6-1, the report added.