Victoria Azarenka the defending champion overcame injury problems to end Sloane Stephens’ Australian Open run and set up a final with China’s Li Na.

For almost 10minutes Azarenka left the court to have treatment for what appeared to be stress after the American had saved five match points.

But the Belarusian, who hurt her left ankle earlier in the set, broke in the next game to win 6-1 and 6-4.

In the first semi-final, Li thrashed Maria Sharapova sixth seed by 6-2 and 6-2.

Azarenka admitted that nerves had got the better of her on a swelteringly hot day when the on-court temperature soared past 40C.

“I almost did the choke of the year right now,” said Azarenka. “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.”

 The first set in 28 minutes, the top seed secured against the 19 year old, who on Wednesday had caused the biggest upset of the tournament by beating Serena Williams through an injury-hit.

The world number one hurt her ankle in the third game of the second set, allowing Stephens the chance to get back into the match. The champion seemed to have overcome the injury but mistakes crept into her game and she struggled to contain her frustration.

Meanwhile, Azarenka served for the match at 5-3 only for Stephens to save five match points and break serve. She called for the trainer and went off for treatment, but came back to break the American straight away to clinch her place in Saturday’s final.

“It’s happened before. I mean, I’ve had it in the last match, the match before, medical breaks, go to the bathroom, the whole showdown,” said Stephens

 “It was just something else, but it didn’t affect anything, I don’t think.”

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http://en.africatopsports.com/2013/01/23/tennisaustralia-sloane-ends-serena-quest