Azarenka ends Stephens run to make Australian Open final

Victoria Azarenka of Belarus hits a return to Sloane Stephens of the US during their women's singles semifinal match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Jan 24, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

MELBOURNE - Victoria Azarenka brought Sloane Stephens's Melbourne Park fairytale to an end on Thursday, overcoming injury niggles and an attack of nerves to advance to the Australian Open final against China's Li Na.

The defending champion appeared to pick up injuries to her left knee and then to her ribs but ran out a relatively comfortable 6-1 6-4 winner against the American 19-year-old.

Azarenka will have two days to recover before the final against Li, who demolished Maria Sharapova earlier in the day.

The Belarusian, 23, looked flustered early in the second set and her frustration level increased when the 29th ranked Stephens saved five match points with Azarenka serving at 5-3.

However, the top seed seized the opportunity on Stephens's next service game to close out the match.

"I almost did the choke of the year right now," Azarenka said courtside. "At 5-3 having so many chances, couldn't close it out but I'm glad I could close it out.

"Nerves got into me for sure."

Sloane Stephens of the US serves to Victoria Azarenka of Belarus during their women's singles semifinal match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Jan 24, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]