Makarova routs Halep

Australian Open dark horse Ekaterina Makarova of Russia raced into the semifinal on Tuesday with an upset straight sets thrashing of third seed Simona Halep. Makarova, seeded 10, easily overcame the Romanian 6-4, 6-0 to set up a final four showdown with fellow Russian Maria Sharapova. The 26-year-old has made the quarterfinals at Melbourne Park twice previously but never before advanced to the semis in seven attempts. “I love it, it’s a great feeling that I came through. She’s a tough opponent. I lost to her two years ago (in New Haven). I’m used to being in the quarters, so now I have to get used to being in the semis,” she said.