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Melbourne — Serena Williams battled past gallant Madison Keys on Thursday to set up a dream Australian Open final between the top two seeds after arch-rival Maria Sharapova demolished Ekaterina Makarova.The best two players in the world have a long history and the odds are stacked in Williams’ favour ahead of the Melbourne Park decider on Saturday with the American holding a major psychological advantage.

She has a 16-2 record against Sharapova, with the Russian five-time Grand Slam champion losing their every encounter since 2004.

Despite the ominous statistic, Sharapova has been in outstanding touch and blew away fellow Russian Makarova 6-3, 6-2 on a blustery afternoon on Rod Laver Arena.

She is now in her fourth Australian final, having won in 2008.

Williams was made to work harder by rising American teen Keys, who fought to the end, saving eight match points. — Sport 24