World No.2 Maria Sharapova has continued her long-time domination of Ekaterina Makarova, thrashing her Russian countrywoman 6-3 6-2 to book a berth in Saturday’s Australian Open final.

Sharapova has only dropped one set in six career meetings against Makarova, who came into Thursday’s match in career-best form, having reached the semis at each of the last two majors.

But Makarova was no match for the five-time major champion, with Sharapova winning in 87 minutes.

Her opponent in Saturday night’s title match will be the winner of the all-American semi-final between world No.1 Serena Williams and teenager Madison Keys, which takes place later on Thursday at Melbourne Park.

“Obviously Serena will be coming in as the favourite in that match but Madison is coming in playing the best tennis of her career,” said Sharapova, who won her sole Australian Open title in 2008.

Sharapova will regain the world No.1 ranking if Williams loses her semi-final.

When Sharapova had to fend off two break points in a marathon opening game on Thursday which lasted for 10 minutes, it looked as though she would be in for a tough battle.

But the 10th-seeded Makarova dropped her opening service game and despite breaking back in the seventh game, Sharapova was able to steady and win the opening set in 48 minutes.

The second set was largely one-way traffic, with Makarova unable to put the No.2 seed under any consistent amount of pressure.

“It’s so special,” said the 27-year-old Sharapova.

“It’s been a strange road for me to get to the final but I’m here and I’m very happy.”

Sharapova has dropped only one set in six matches at Melbourne Park this year against another Russian, qualifier Alexandra Panova, in the second round.

Sharapova saved two match points before beating Panova, but has only dropped 15 games in her following four matches.