Sharapova crushes Li to reach Key Biscayne semis

Maria Sharapova of Russia celebrates her victory over Li Na of China after their women's singles match at the Sony Ericsson Open tennis tournament in Key Biscayne, Florida, March 27, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

KEY BISCAYNE, Florida - Second seed Maria Sharapova stormed into the semi-finals of the Sony Ericsson Open after ending her jinx against China's Li Na with a convincing 6-3 6-0 win on Tuesday.

The Russian had lost her previous four meetings with Li in straight sets, including the semi-finals of last year's French Open, but needed just 68 minutes to seal victory on Tuesday.

"I came into this match having lost to her the last few times. I just really wanted to change that, so I was extremely focused and looking forward to the match," said Sharapova.

"I was just really consistent today in those conditions where, you know, it's a little gusty and blowing around and I was facing a tough opponent."

Li Na of China returns a shot to Maria Sharapova of Russia during their women's singles match at the Sony Ericsson Open tennis tournament in Key Biscayne, Florida, March 27, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

It was a scrappy start to the encounter with the first five games all being broken before Sharapova eased into her baseline game and won eight consecutive games to emerge victorious.