One of tennis’ greatest rivalries renews on Tuesday afternoon in Melbourne, as Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova face off for the 21st time, this meeting coming in the 2016 Australian Open quarterfinals. These two ambassadors of the women’s game are so alike in so many ways, whether it be their drive, passion, or overall love for the game. While one-sided, as Serena owns the head-to-head 18-2, these fierce competitors always put on a great show. These two met in last year’s final down under, with Serena claiming her sixth Australian Open title, 6-3, 7-6(5). Both players are in great positions to make a run at the title, but sadly one of these great champions will be knocked out. Can Serena claim her 18th consecutive victory over the Russian, or can Sharapova begin to even out the score with the victory? We’ll have to watch and see!
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Serena Eases Past Margarita Gasparyan In 55 Minutes
In the round-of-16, the 21-time grand slam champion had no issues, easily dispatching Margarita Gasparyan of Russia, 6-2, 6-1 in under an hour. The 21-year-old Russian actually began the match by breaking the six-time Aussie Open champ, but Serena broke right back in the next game before she took total control. While the world number one only served at 57%, she still won 75% of first serve points. Gasparyan, only 21 years old, was clearly overmatched. Her serve faltered early and often, as Serena broke the Russian’s serve five times out of 12 attempts. While Gasparyan put up a good fight, Serena was in no mood for a long battle. Her sheer power and precision on her shots was just too much for the world number 58 to handle.
Sharapova Powers Past Belinda Bencic In Tight Match
This round of 16 match was a battle of the veteran versus the younger up-and-comer. Belinda Bencic made headlines last season defeating Serena Williams in Toronto, effectively making her way onto the WTA scene. Ever since then, she has been quickly making her way up the rankings. This match was one to watch. Both players were on from the coin toss. There were long rallies, excellent shot-making, and mind-boggling points. In the end, Sharapova’s magnificent serving performance pushed her across the finish line with the 7-5, 7-5 win. The world number five hit an astonishing 21 aces throughout the match, helping her win 85% of her first serve points. She was powerful on the ground as well, dishing out 58 winners. Should she want to defeat Serena Williams, she will need a repeat of this serving performance.
Match Analysis
These two always push each other like no one else can. These are the two toughest competitors on the WTA Tour. This matchup is always entertaining, no matter where in the world or in what round of the tournament. Expect another masterpiece on Tuesday afternoon. Serena has been in great form throughout the tournament, despite having had almost four months off of the tour after the U.S. Open. Sharapova played extremely well against Bencic, proving that she might just have found her top form, if so, just in time.
In order to win against Serena, she will need to serve just as well, which will be a very tall task. These matches always come down to the tiniest of details. While she is known for her remarkably short-memory, somewhere in the back of Sharapova’s mind, she knows that she hasn’t beaten the 21-time grand slam champion since 2004. Simply put, "Masha" just cannot find a way to beat Serena Williams.
Prediction: Serena Williams in two sets