Sharapova reaches Sony Open final for fifth time

Four-time runner-up Maria Sharapova advanced to another Key Biscayne final by beating Jelena Jankovic 6-2, 6-1 on Thursday at the Sony Open, while Andy Murray reached the semi-finals of the men’s event.

With a victory on Saturday, the No 3-seeded Sharapova would plug one of the few holes in her resume. She completed a career Grand Slam by winning the French Open last year but has never won the tournament near downtown Miami.

“It would mean so much to me,” the Russian said. “I absolutely love this city. It’s the first city I landed in when I came to the United States as a little girl.”

Sharapova will face the winner of Thursday night’s match between five-time champion Serena Williams and defending champ Agnieszka Radwanska.

Murray, the 2009 champion and runner-up last year, advanced by beating No 9 Marin Cilic 6-4, 6-3. Murray has yet to drop a set, and his path is made easier because Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer skipped the tournament, and Novak Djokovic lost in the fourth round.

“Obviously if they aren’t there, then you don’t have to play against two or three of the best players that have played the game,” Murray said. “So it’s not as challenging. I always enjoy playing against them because it’s good for me. It’s a good test of my game.”

Murray’s opponent on Friday night will No 8-seeded Richard Gasquet, who beat No 4 Tomas Berdych 6-3, 6-3. The other semifinal will match No 3 David Ferrer against 34-year-old Tommy Haas, who upset Djokovic.

On a sunny, mild afternoon, Sharapova won seven consecutive games during one stretch against the No 22-seeded Jankovic. Sharapova committed only 10 unforced errors from the baseline in 88 points while breaking serve six times.