Australian Open 2012: Maria Sharapova Will Claim World No. 1 with Win

Maria Sharapova has the experience it takes to win a Grand Slam tournament, and that is why I firmly expect she will triumph over Victoria Azarenka at the 2012 Australian Open.

It's about time the former phenom got herself back on top of the tennis world, and a win at the Australian Open will go a long ways in accomplishing that goal.

Overall, it's safe to say Sharapova is the better player coming into the finals, despite the fact that Azeranka has been on a hot streak and won 11 matches so far this year.

She has the talent, but most of all, she has the experience, which I believe is key.

That's not taking anything away from Azarenka, as she has undoubtedly done her part to get where she is.

However, Sharapova has to be the favorite to win, and will in doing so vault herself to the No. 1 overall ranking in the world, according to Tom McGowan of CNN.

"

To add extra spice to Saturday's Melbourne showdown, both world No. 4 Sharapova and the third-ranked Azarenka can claim top spot with victory in the Rod Laver Arena showdown.

"It means so much to be back in a grand slam final," Sharapova told reporters after beating No. 2 Petra Kvitova. "It's nice to get this far here at the Australian Open again after losing quite early the last couple of years."

"

The stakes could not get any higher for both of these stars, as the No. 1 ranking in the world is obviously extremely coveted landscape.

That being the case, I have to take the more experienced player. Experience plays a factor in the biggest moments in all sports, and the same can be said for tennis.

There's something different about playing in a finals match that you have to actually go through to understand. It's important to consider Sharapova will be playing in her fifth finals match—having won three—compared to Kvitova, who is playing in her first.

Say what you will about skill and momentum, but there is something about coming into the match with a calm mind, having known what it's like, that will give Sharapova a huge advantage.

While she's had her fair share of struggles, Sharapova came into this game a winner and has had tons of expectations on her.

She knows what it takes to leave a winner.

She has what it takes to leave Australia No. 1 in the world.