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Summary Sharapova will defend her Italian title against the French Open champion Li Na on Sunday.
Maria Sharapova beat Angelique Kerber of Germany 6-3, 6-4 on Saturday to reach the final at the Italian Open.The Chinese player advanced after Serena Williams withdrew shortly before their semifinal with a lower back injury.Sharapova controlled the game with aggressive baseline play, leading 27-9 in winners.Li Na beat Sharapova in last years semifinals at the French Open. Sharapova won their last meeting in Miami this year.On mens side, Rafael Nadal will meet Spaniard David Ferrer and top-ranked Novak Djokovic will play against Roger Federer later Saturday.
