Maria Sharapova Outlasts Li Na to Reach Semis in Madrid Masters

Maria Sharapova booked her place in the last four of the Madrid Open on Friday as she edged a thrilling quarterfinal against second seed Li Na 2-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3.

The Russian looked to be heading out as she trailed by a set and a break at 3-4 down in the second.

However, Sharapova broke back immediately and went onto win the second set on a tie-break before raising her game to another level with a string of incredible winners to take the decider 6-3.

The four-time Grand Slam champion will face third seed Agnieska Radwanska or French qualifier Caroline Garcia in the semifinals on Saturday.