Victoria Azarenka defeated Maria Sharapova in the semifinals of the 2012 U.S. Open on Friday. Azarenka lost the opening set, 3-6, but bounced back to claim the next two and the match, 6-2, 6-4.
Related: U.S. Open 2012 Schedule: Women's Semifinals Highlight Day 12
Sharapova committed 42 unforced errors to just 19 for Azarenka, which was one big factor in the outcome of the match. Sharapova had the superior serve of the day, as she finished with eight aces to none for Azarenka, but she was not able to maintain the solid overall effort she displayed in taking the opening set.
Azarenka will face the winner of the day's second semifinal match, which is between Serena Williams and Sara Errani. The men's semifinal round is scheduled for Saturday; Thomas Berdych will face Andy Murray in one match, while David Ferrer takes on Novak Djokovic in the other.
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