As the 2012 Italian Open heads to a close, Maria Sharapova is set to take on Li Na in the final round to defend her Italian title. Sharapova beat Na when they met in Miami earlier this year, but Na beat Sharapova in the finals of the French Open last year.

Na advanced when Serena Williams was forced to pull out because of a back injury. Sharapova on the other hand beat Angelique Kerber of Germany (6-3, 6-4) to advance to the final round of the Italian Open.

The men's side of the Italian Open hasn't reached the finals just yet, but the next round will see Rafael Nadal play fellow Spaniard David Ferrer. Top-ranked Novak Djokovic will play against Roger Federer in the semi-finals of the tournament.

For more on the Italian Open stay tuned to this StoryStream and SB Nation's dedicated tennis hub.