Sharapova overwhelms injured Jankovic to reach final

With the roof closed due to drizzle, the Russian fifth seed proceeded to stake her claim on another possible major win after 2004 Wimbledon and the US Open in 2006.

 2007 runner-up Sharapova has now won four of five matches with the Serb third seed. Serbia's Ana Ivanovic was hoping to send a compatriot into the title match as she faced Slovak Daniela Hantuchova in the second semi.

 "I hope to take advantage of my experience," said Sharapova, one of four Eastern European women in the semi-finals of a Grand Slam for the first time.

 "I've been in Grand Slam finals and I hope I can produce some great tennis."

   Sharapova swept toward the first set with a 5-0 lead against Jankovic, who has battled a variety of leg, buttock and back injuries this month.

 But just as the Russian looked to have the set sewn up, Jankovic sprang into action, saving three set points in the sixth game, then climbing to 2-5 as Sharapova ended the game with a double-fault.

 The Serb then saved two more set points to hold 3-5 before Sharapova was able to close out the set after 42 tight minutes with a cross-court winner.

 Jankovic lost her opening serve in the second set, then went off court with the trainer, where tape was applied to her lower back and pain-killing pills dispensed.

 The interlude didn't help, with Sharapova claiming a runaway 4-0 margin before finally breaking again to seal victory in 78 minutes and one more session of treatment for Jankovic.

 "I was up 5-0 and playing well, doing all the right things," said the Russian. "But we all know how well Jelena plays when she's behind.

 "I'm really happy to get through and be back in the final," said the player beaten a year ago by Serena Williams.