Maria Sharapova has said that Li Na played better than ever before to triumph 6-2 6-2 in their Australian Open semi-final.
The Chinese sixth seed produced a masterful display to record her ninth win in 13 matches against the world number two and reach her second final in Melbourne.
"I think she played a really great match," said Sharapova. "She was certainly much more aggressive than I was, dictating the play.
"I was always on the defence. When I had my opportunities and breakpoints in games that went to deuce, I don't think any of them really went my way today.
"She's playing really confident tennis. I thought she played really well, probably the best she's played against me. There's no reason why she can't win."
Li will play either Sloane Stephens or Victoria Azarenka in the final.
