Maria Sharapova vs. Petra Kvitova: Info, Predictions for Semi-Final Match

Fourth-seeded Maria Sharapova is looking to advance to her sixth career Grand Slam Final and third Australian Open Final, though Petra Kvitova might just have something to say about that.

The fiery, second-seeded Czech lost in the quarters at Australia last year, but she has been rolling through the tournament this year.

This will be a rematch of last year's Wimbledon final, where Kvitova beat Sharapova in straight sets, 6-3 6-4. Sharapova may be the veteran, but she's already looking to get revenge on the younger and arguably more-talented Kvitova.

When: Wednesday, Jan. 25, 9:30 p.m. EST (After Clijsters-Azarenka)

Where: Rod Laver Arena

Watch: ESPN 2

What is at Stake?

Obviously, the winner advances to the finals.

Sharapova certainly has more on the line as she hasn't won a Grand Slam since 2008. She may be just 24, but she already seems to be on the down-slope of her career. A win here in Melbourne would show that she's officially back to her best.

A tournament win would probably propel her to No. 1 in the world too.

Kvitova, meanwhile, is the new Sharapova. Or maybe the new Wozniacki.

At just 21, she is coming off her first Grand Slam win at Wimbledon last year. Considering world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki just lost and failed to win a Grand Slam yet again, Kvitova would have to match or better the run of Victoria Azarenka to claim the top spot. No pressure.

What They're Saying

Sharapova certainly isn't backing down, but she knows Kvitova will be a tough opponent.

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"Obviously it was a tough one at Wimbledon," Sharapova told ESPN. "(Kvitova) is full of confidence and playing the best tennis right now. I look forward to it."

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According to Kvitova's coach, David Kotzya, she has to keep her focus against Sharapova.

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"It's necessary to be on a high level the whole match," he said. "When they played at Wimbledon she stayed focused throughout the match, and it was [6-3, 6-4], but I think it was closer than the score. She's definitely looking forward to it. She likes big matches against the really good players."

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Keys for Sharapova Win

Simply put, she can't back down. Kvitova is known for her powerful left-handed shots, and at 6-foot tall she can be a menacing figure.

Sharapova is going to have to come out with a lot of confidence, and belief that she can return to her old form and the No. 1 rank in the world. If she comes out intimidated and falls behind, she won't be able to climb back against the steady Kvitova.

Kvitova has trailed matches during this tournament, but she seemingly has the ability to get in her opponents' heads, just like she did against Sara Errani, who had control of their quarterfinal match before falling apart. 

Sharapova has to play her game.

Keys for Kvitova Win

She can't take Sharapova for granted. Kvitova has been playing down to her opponents all tournament and it will come back to bite her if she does it again in the semis. 

Kvitova hasn't lost since October and Sharapova is still working her way back to form, but Kvitova still shouldn't take the No. 4 in the world lightly.

Also, the 21-year-old Czech needs to serve better. During their Wimbledon battle, Sharapova actually out-served Kvitova, but it wasn't enough. I'm not so sure she can get away with that again.

Prediction

It's been a long way back from the shoulder surgery that sidelined Sharapova for so long in 2009, but she's officially back. 

She's going to be more focused than the favorite Kvitova, and she's going to pull off the upset in three sets.