Ana Ivanovic of Serbia waves to the crowd after the women's singles semifinal match against Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 24. She won 2-1. - Xinhua

Serbia's fourth seed Ana Ivanovic defeated Slovak Daniela Hantuchova 0-6, 6-3, 6-4 yesterday to set up the final clash against Maria Sharapova at the Australian Open in Melbourne.

Hantuchova, ninth seed of the tournament, looked on course for an easy win as she took the first set in 46 minutes at love and led 2-0 in the second set.

But the 20-year-old Ivanovic finally woke up, holding serve in the third game of the second set and turned around the match.

Ivanovic broke back for 2-2 and cruised to the end of the set to make it 1-1.

Hantuchova had a break point while leading at 3-2 in the third set but Ivanovic fought firmly to hold her service game before tying at 4-4.

Ivanovic finally converted on a break point in the ninth game to overtake the lead at 5-4, then she held her last service game for the victory after two hours and 10 minutes.

The Serb will face Sharapova in the final which will be held on Saturday. The fifth seed Russian outclassed No. 3 Jelena Jankovic 6-3, 6-1 to book the place for final early yesterday.