Sharapova vs. Azarenka: Finals Experience Favors Maria at Australian Open

It's only fitting that Maria Sharapova would have to face Victoria Azarenka, rather than Kim Clijsters, in the finale at the 2012 Australian Open.

Sharapova has spent the bulk of the tournament battling younger, less experienced challengers at Melbourne Park. From Jamie Hampton and Sabine Lisicki to Ekaterina Makarova and Petra Kvitova, Sharapova has asserted herself as an elder stateswoman of sorts, even though she's only 24 herself.

And even though the Russian bombshell and former No. 1 in the world of women's tennis hasn't won a Grand Slam title since the 2008 Australian Open.

The semifinal victory over Kvitova was particularly redeeming for Sharapova's career. She may well have broken her major drought months ago had it not been for the big Slovakian, who topped Sharapova in the final at Wimbledon last year.

As for Azarenka, the difference in age may be only two years, but the disparity in experience is nothing short of cavernous. Saturday's match will mark Azarenka's debut in a Grand Slam final, as opposed to the sixth such appearance for Sharapova, of which she's won three previously.

That's not to say that such an advantage will (or even should) make Sharapova the overwhelming favorite. Her career record against Azarenka is an even 3-3, with two of the losses coming in hardcourt finals in Miami and Stanford.

Azarenka has proven on her own, too, that she's no slouch. She did well to oust Kim Clijsters, a four-time Grand Slam winner and the defending Australian Open champion, drawing upon her tremendous grit and determination to fend off the seasoned veteran.

And lest anyone forget, if Azarenka defeats Sharapova, she'll be the top-ranked player in women's tennis.

The same goes for Sharapova, who hasn't scaled the mountain of her sport since 2007. Should Sharapova win, she'll have validated further the triumph of experience over youthful exuberance, of persistence amidst past injury over a relatively spotless medical record.

Of the "old guard" of women's tennis over the brash up-and-comers.

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