Olympic tennis: Williams sets up final with Sharapova

London - Serena Williams thrashed Belarusian top seed Victoria Azarenka in the semifinal of Olympic tennis Friday to set up a battle for gold with Russia’s Maria Sharapova in women’s singles final.

Fourth seed Williams of the US swept past 23-year-old Azarenka recording 16 aces and 33 winners on her way to a 6-1, 6-2 win.

Sharapova ousted fellow Russian and World No. 15 Maria Kirilenko in the other semifinal earlier Friday.

Azarenka and Kirilenko will face off for the bronze medal Sunday.

–IANS/RIA Novosti

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