Kvitova to face Sharapova on march towards No.1 spot

Melbourne, Jan 25 (ANI): World No.2 Petra Kvitova will take on Russian Maria Sharapova in semi-final of the Australian Open on Thursday.

Kvitova will be become the new world No.1 should she win the Australian Open or lose to Kim Clijsters in the final. Sharapova will claim the crown if she wins the tournament.

Reigning Wimbledon champion Kvitova overcame Italian Sara Errani in straight sets to reach the semifinals.

Sharapova overpowered compatriot Ekaterina Makarova 6-2 6-3 in the quarter-finals today while Kvitova beat unseeded Italian Sara Errani 6-4 6-4.

Their clash will be a repeat of last year's Wimbledon final, which Kvitova won, in straight sets.

Kvitova reached her first Australian semi-final after snuffing out a brief fightback from Errani in the second set, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

"I expected a tough match because she has been playing well and also today played well. Backhand or forehand, I never knew where the ball would come to so I had to concentrate on every point and always think about tactics," Kvitova said.

Sharapova had won the Australian title in 2008. (ANI)