Ekaterina Makarova beats Simona Halep to reach Australian Open semis

Ekaterina Makarova attempts a forehand in her win over Simona Halep

Melbourne, Jan 27 (IANS)

Ekaterina Makarova beat third-seeded Simona Halep 6-4, 6-0 Tuesday to reach the women's singles semifinals of the Australian Open. It only took Makarova 68 minutes to beat Halep at the Melbourne Park, reports Xinhua. The Russian will face the winner of the match between Maria Sharapova and Eugenie Bouchard.

The 26-year-old Makarova has had her best Grand Slam result at Melbourne Park.

Last year, she lost to eventual champion Li Na in the fourth round.