Australian Open 2012 Results: Maria Sharapova Cruises to Finals

Maria Sharapova knocked out Petra Kvitova and is on her way to the Finals of the 2012 Australian Open, where she will face Victoria Azarenka in what is sure to be an epic match.

Sharapova had to fight to break Kvitova’s serve in the third set and finished with a 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 victory.

The 24-year-old Russian beat her opponent by using veteran savvy and know-how to defeat her younger and less-experienced opponent.

Sharapova won in Melbourne back in 2008 and has been a regular in the semifinals since 2005, while Kvitova had not advanced that far yet in her short career.

The 21-year-old Czech has ascended the rankings of women’s tennis extremely quickly but still has much to learn. She will certainly be back with a vengeance next year, but this tournament belongs to Sharapova.

Sharapova had not won a tournament since this event in 2008 and fell to Kvitova in last year’s Wimbledon Final, something that must have certainly motivated the Russian.

According to the Associated Press, she said,

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"In the third set, I felt she always had the advantage because I was always down on my serve," said Sharapova, who served five double-faults in the third set and 10 in the match. "I just told myself 'You just gotta go for it, don't let her finish off the points like she likes to.'"

"

By doing so, she has positioned herself to make a run at another Grand Slam and a No. 1 ranking.

Azarenka certainly won’t be an easy opponent. She has yet to win a major tournament and has made the first final of her career.

Expect Sharapova’s experience to trump youth once again.

Check back on Bleacher Report throughout the tournament for results, analysis and opinion.