Brisbane blockbuster

Maria Sharapova of Russia plays a forehand return on way to defeating Kaia Kanepi of Estonia in the Brisbane International quarterfinals yesterday. PHOTO: AFP

Serena Williams Thursday served a perfect first set on her way to setting up a blockbuster semifinal against Maria Sharapova at the Brisbane International.
The top seeded Williams didn't lose a point on serve during the opening set during her comprehensive 6-3, 6-3 win over Slovakia's Dominika Cibulkova.
In stark contrast to Williams, Sharapova was forced to recover from an error-strewn start before eventually downing 2012 champion Kaia Kanepi in three sets 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.
Friday's semifinal will be the 17th meeting between the two superstars of the women's game, who make no secret of their frosty personal relationship.
Williams holds a clear advantage over the Russian, winning 14 times against Sharapova, including the last 13 in a row.
Their most recent clash was in the final of last year's French Open, where Williams won a tight battle 6-4, 6-4.
"Some of the matches were a bit closer than others," Sharapova said of her run of 13 losses.
"I know I've tried and I didn't succeed in the last many times that I've played her, but I'm setting up an opportunity to go out there and try to change that, and I'm going to try to do that."
Williams, who lost only four times in 2013, was in irresistible form against Cibulkova.
The world number one said she had been working on her serve in the off-season, but was still surprised at not losing a point in the first set for the first time since juniors.
"She [Cibulkova] was returning really well, she stays so low to the ground and does so many good things, especially off the ground. She's just so powerful," Williams said.