Sharapova, Errani storm into semi-finals

Russian Maria Sharapova and Italian Sarra Errani made it to the semi-finals of the US Open here yesterday with victories over France's Marion Bartoli and Italy's Roberta Vinci respectively

However, while Sharapova had a tough time rallying from a set down to win 1-6, 6-3, 6-4, Errani swept past her doubles partner and best friend Vinci winning 6-2, 6-4.u00a0

Sharapova returns to Marion Bartoli

In doing so, Errani became the first Italian woman in the Open era to make the semi-finals at Flushing Meadows.

"It's always hard to play against a friend and it was strange seeing her on the other side of the net," said Errani, who already has four tour singles titles to her name this year.

Sarra Errani. Pics/AFP

"I am happy to get to the final. Can I win the title? I will tell you in three or four days," added Errani, the 10th seed, who was the French Open runner-up to Sharapova this year. She goes on to face either three-time champion Serena Williams or Ana Ivanovic for a place in the final while Sharapova faces World No 1 Victoria Azarenka.