The top two players in the world will face each other in the Australian Open women's final - and No 1 seed Serena Williams says she can't wait to meet Maria Sharapova.

Williams saw off 19-year-old Madison Keys in straight sets in an all-American last-four match, and she'll next face Sharapova - who eased past another Russian in Ekaterina Makarova 6-3, 6-2.

"I'm excited," said Williams. "I love playing her. I didn't expect to get to the final. I'm happy to be here.

"She's a wonderful player and always wants to get better. I take pride in my record (16-2), my game matches up well with hers.

"Its important to get a good start, but I'm ready to fight. I can tell Maria really wants this." 

At 33, @Serenawilliams becomes the oldest WTA player to reach her 6th #ausopen final, def. Madison #Keys 7-6(5) 6-2 pic.twitter.com/QXJjaE1MZI

— Australian Open (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2015