Australian Open 2012: 3 Reasons Maria Sharapova Will Exceed Expectations

Maria Sharapova has been set as a 33-to-1 underdog to win the 2012 Australian Open in the women’s singles tournament, according to Bovada.lv.

They have nine players favored over her, including favorite Petra Kvitova at 11-to-4 and Serena Williams as 4-to-1.

If you are looking for a long shot to win, you could certainly make a more boneheaded play than Sharapova. The Russian won this tournament in 2008 but failed to defend her title the next year and has not gotten past the fourth round since then.

She is the No. 4 ranked player in the world and is certainly a threat to win it all again this season, and here is why.

Status

The winner of the 2012 Australian Open has a chance to be the world No. 1-ranked player. This should provide all the motivation Sharapova needs, who hasn’t earned that honor since 2008.

Experience

Sharapova turned pro back in 2001 and she has played in a ton of tournaments since that time. She’s been to five Grand Slam finals and won three times, including the 2008 version of this tournament.

She’s only 24 years old and has a lot left in the tank, which makes her a true threat to win.

Health

Sharapova was dealing with an ankle injury earlier this month and at the end of last year, which affected her play in a negative way.

Now that she is reportedly healthy and feeling “really good,” you can bet that she will be a force in the Australian Open.