Russia's Ekaterina Makarova has reached the semi-finals of a Grand Slam for the first time by defeating Victoria Azarenka in straight sets at the US Open.
The 26-year-old, who last year reached the quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows, was actually the first to lose her serve when Azarenka broke to go 3-2 in front.
Makarova broke straight back, though, before Azarenka had a couple of chances to break again at 4-4 but couldn't take them.
Makarova punished her in the next game, winning her first set point to snatch the opener.
The second set began evenly and it was 2-2 when Makarova won the next four games in a row to close out the match in one hour and 28 minutes.
Awaiting Makarova in the last four will be either top seed Serena Williams or Italy's Flavia Pennetta.
Pascal Lemesre
