Sharapova too strong for Henin

Maria Sharapova clinched her place in the semi-finals of the Australian Open with an emphatic straight-sets win over world number one Justine Henin.

Sharapova ended Henin's 32-match winning streak in spectacular fashion, comprehensively outplaying her opponent to secure a 6-4 6-0 victory at Melbourne Park.

The fifth seed will meet Jelena Jankovic in the last four after the Serbian beat Serena Williams 6-3 6-4.

Sharapova said afterwards: "I really felt like I was in my own bubble.

"I wasn't trying to pay attention to her record or how many tournaments she has won, which is an incredible number."

Looking ahead to the clash with Jankovic, she added: "We grew up together, practising at the same academy.

"It's a bit strange. We were always doing the same thing, playing the same groups. It was both of our dreams playing in a grand slam, especially playing each other."