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ROME – Maria Sharapova beat Angelique Kerber of Germany 6-3, 6-4 Saturday to reach the final at the Italian Open.
Sharapova will defend her Italian title against the French Open champion Li Na on Sunday. The Chinese player advanced after Serena Williams withdrew shortly before their semifinal with a lower back injury.
Sharapova controlled the game with aggressive baseline play, leading 27-9 in winners.
Li Na beat Sharapova in last year's semifinals at the French Open. Sharapova won their last meeting in Miami this year.
On men's side, Rafael Nadal will meet Spaniard David Ferrer and top-ranked Novak Djokovic will play against Roger Federer later Saturday.
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