Olympic tennis 2012: Williams sets up final with Sharapova

London: Serena Williams thrashed Belarusian top seed Victoria Azarenka in the semifinal of Olympic tennis Friday to set up a battle for gold with Russia`s Maria Sharapova in women`s singles final.

Fourth seed Williams of the US swept past 23-year-old Azarenka recording 16 aces and 33 winners on her way to a 6-1, 6-2 win. Sharapova ousted fellow Russian and World No. 15 Maria Kirilenko in the other semifinal earlier Friday. Azarenka and Kirilenko will face off for the bronze medal Sunday. IANS