Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova advanced to the semifinals of the 2012 U.S. Open on Wednesday after winning their quarterfinal matches at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
No. 3 seed Sharapova defeated Marion Bartoli of France, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. Williams made quick work of her opponent, former world No. 1 Ana Ivanovic, in straight sets, 6-1, 6-3. Sharapova and Williams will face each other in the tournament finals if they each win their semifinal matches in the next round.
Sara Errani defeated fellow Italian Roberta Vinci in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4 to advance. Errani will face Williams in the semifinal match.
The semifinal match of note will be when Sharapova faces top-seeded Victoria Azarenka of Belarus. Azarenka advanced past Australian Samantha Stosur, 6-1, 4-6, 7-6 to set up the marquee matchup between the top two seeds.
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