Makarova moves into first semi-final

ekaterinamakarova

The Russian, who is yet to concede a set at this year's tournament at Flushing Meadows, was making her fourth quarter-final appearance at a major on Wednesday and looked assured as she eased past her Belarusian opponent.

A series of injuries have seen Azarenka short of time on the court this season and, after looking competitive in a tight first set at Arthur Ashe Stadium, she struggled to contain Makarova in the second.

It was Azarenka who made the first breakthrough, winning the fifth game to love to put herself in the ascendancy, but Makarova broke straight back

Azarenka squandered two break points at 4-4 that would have left her serving for the set, and Makarova carried her momentum in the next game to put herself 1-0 up.

These two players sit alongside each other in the women's rankings and the first set was reflective of that fact.

However, Azarenka faced a constant battle to win her service games in the second - claiming just 48 per cent of points on her first serve - with Makarova pouncing to take full advantage.

After failing to put up much of a fight in losing the first game, Azarenka had to survive four break points to remain on terms.

Makarova saw two more chances to steal a march come and go on Azarenka's next service game, but made no mistake thereafter.

The 26-year-old won the next four games on the bounce to book her place in the last four, where she will meet top seed Serena Williams or Italy's Flavia Pennetta.

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