Russia's Maria Sharapova returns a shot during her women's singles quarterfinals match against her compatriot Ekaterina Makarova at the 2012 Australian Open tennis championship at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 25, 2012. Sharapova won 2-0. Photo: Xinhua

Maria Sharapova set up a much-expected Australian Open semifinal with Petra Kvitova after disposing of fellow Russian Ekaterina Makarova in straight sets on Wednesday.

Former Australian Open winner Sharapova overpowered compatriot Makarova 6-2, 6-3 in the quarterfinals while Kvitova beat unseeded Italian Sara Errani 6-4, 6-4.

"It will certainly be tough. I've lost to her the last couple of times - obviously the big one in Wimbledon where she played really well," said Sharapova.

"I'm looking forward to the matchup. I don't like losing so many times in a row. So I'll certainly be going out there and trying to play my best," she added.

Their clash will be a repeat of last year's Wimbledon final which Kvitova won in straight sets. The pair also kept alive their hopes of claiming the world No.1, which Caroline Wozniacki will lose on Monday after her quarterfinal loss to defending champion Kim Clijsters.

Makarova advanced into the quarterfinal with an overwhelming victory over Serena Williams, but she could not repeat the momentum against fourth seed Sharapova who dedicated on the court.

Sharapova came into the match with a little bit nervous, she double faulted twice in the opening game, but soon recovered and held the serve. She then left all the pressure on Makarova and broke the fourth game and never looked back to claim the first set 6-2.

After both tied at 2-2 in the second set, Makarova lost her serve with a backhand unforced error in the fifth. She managed to stay on court after holding the serve in 8th game, but only saw Sharapova sealed her victory in the 9th with a forehand winner.