Maria Sharapova: Russian Star Fills Void in Women's Tennis at Australian Open

With two days remaining at the 2012 Australian Open, this much is clear:

Women's tennis is in a serious state of flux.

Not that Maria Sharapova minds, or even should. The 24-year-old Russian bombshell has stepped ably into a spot atop her sport, a spot still in search of a more permanent occupant.

Venus and Serena Williams are no longer legitimate Grand Slam contenders. Kim Clijsters is also past her prime, though a surprise spot in the semifinals would suggest otherwise.

As would her unexpected victories over Li Na and former No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki, both of whom were counted among the favorites to play this Saturday when the festivities at Melbourne Park first began.

They weren't the only rising stars to come up short, though. Sabine Lisicki, Ekaterina Makarova and 2011 Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova all failed to assert themselves at the first major tournament of the young season.

All three were bounced out down under by Sharapova, who, at 24, appears to be back to playing world-class tennis after struggling with injuries over the last few years. Sharapova's shoulder went gimpy in 2007, required surgery in 2008 and kept her off the court until 2009, after 10 months away from her sport of choice.

During the layoff, Sharapova saw herself drop from No. 1 in the world rankings to No. 126. Thanks to a recent surge, including five singles wins and five runner-up finishes since her return to action in 2009, Sharapova now stands at No. 4.

If Sharapova defeats Victoria Azarenka on Saturday, she won't only add a fourth Grand Slam title to her trophy case.

She'll also regain the No. 1 ranking in women's tennis for the first time since 2008.

How long Sharapova stays there remains to be seen, though given the dearth of championship-caliber talent nipping at her heels, she wouldn't be remiss to readjust to her surroundings.

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