Serena in dream Sharapova final

MELBOURNE, Jan 29 (AFP): Arch-rivals Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova set up a dream Australian Open final Thursday while Andy Murray ground down Tomas Berdych to give himself a fourth crack at winning the Melbourne Park title.

Williams battled past gallant fellow American Madison Keys while Sharapova demolished Russian compatriot Ekaterina Makarova to ensure the top seeds meet in Saturday's showpiece.

The world's best two players have history and the odds are stacked in Williams' favour, with the 33-year-old holding a major psychological advantage.