The defending champion and world no. 1 Victoria Azarenka, defeated teen tennis sensation Sloane Stephens by 6-1, 6-4 to make a place for herself in the finals. 19 year old Stephens had come into limelight after defeating Serena Williams in the quarter finals.

In the other semi final match, Maria Sharapova who hadn’t dropped a set in the tournament, lost to Chinese player Li Na. The final score was 6-2, 6-2.

The Final between Azarenka and Li Na will take place on Satuday,26 January.