Ekaterina Makarova into US Open semi-finals with comfortable win over Victoria Azarenka

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.