Maria Sharapova defeats Henin.

The number one ranked player is no longer in the hunt for the first grand slam title of 2008. Maria Sharapova (5) defeated Justine Henin (1) a few hours ago in two sets of 6-4 and 6-0.

Justine Henin loses a first match after 32 straight victories. She did not lose a match since the semifinals of Wimbledon in july 2007.

The russian will play Jelena Jankovic who defeated the defending champion, Serena Williams in quarterfinals. Both players will meet for the first time at the semifinals of the Australian open. It is already the fourth semifinal in career at the open for Sharapova.

Rafael Nadal qualified for the semifinals of the Australian open for the first time in his career as he defeated Jarkko Nieminen in three sets of 7-5, 6-3 and 6-1. Rafa will play in the next round the winner of the quarterfinal match between Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Mikhail Youzhny (14)

(Picture: Maria Sharapova, Getty images.)