Serena Williams has set up an Australian Open final meeting with Maria Sharapova by recording a 7-6 6-2 triumph over Madison Keys in Melbourne.
Keys made the perfect start to her first Grand Slam semi-final by securing a break of serve in the opening game, and the 19-year-old, who is coached by former world number one Lindsay Davenport, looked comfortable as she matched her compatriot in the early stages.
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However, the promising start was soon forgotten as Williams started to dictate the tempo midway through the first set to break back.
Keys recovered from the setback to force a tie-break, but it was the world number one who claimed a crucial advantage with a 7-5 success as the five-time champion clinched the opener with an ace.
Williams handed her young rival a mountain to climb by breaking at the start of the second set, before saving two break points moments later to retain control.
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The challenge from Keys would quickly fade as Williams cruised to another break of serve to move to the brink of victory.
Keys produced one final act of defiance by saving seven match points on her own serve to the delight of the Melbourne crowd, but Williams held her nerve in the next game to secure a 23rd Grand Slam final appearance.
Callum Mulvihill
