Australian Open 2012 Women's Final: TV Info, Start Time and Live Stream

The season's first Grand Slam title will be on the line this Saturday morning, when No. 3 Victoria Azarenka squares off against No. 4 Maria Sharapova in the Australian Open final. 

Azarenka punched her ticket with a 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 win over two-time defending champion Kim Clijsters. Sharapova earned her way in by avenging a loss in the 2011 Wimbledon finals, downing Petra Kvitova 6-2, 3-6, 6-4. She is also the 2008 champion of the Australian Open. 

When: Saturday, Jan. 28 at 3 a.m. EST

Where: Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Park

Watch: ESPN2, Streamed at ESPN3

What's at Stake?

From a Grand Slam perspective, this would be Sharapova's fourth win and Azarenka's first.

As well-known as Sharapova is, she has only won three Grand Slams and hasn't won one since this tournament in 2008. Winning this would go a long way in establishing her as the top player of the 21st Century not named Serena Williams.

Despite her high ranking, Azarenka is still something of an unknown. This is as far as she's ever advanced in a Grand Slam (as a single), and has only nine career wins in other tournaments. In contrast, Sharapova has 24. Winning here would put Azarenka in the spotlight.

The winner of this match will also unseat Caroline Wozniacki as No. 1 in the world.  

Keys for an Azarenka Win

Azarenka has to take advantage of Sharapova's service mistakes.

The problem is that Azarenka doesn't have a particularly strong serve either. Sharapova will struggle with serves, and Azarenka has to take advantage of that. 

Also, when Sharapova is on her runs, Azarenka needs to maintain her composure. Obviously, these are two of the best players in the world, so they will both get their points in.

This is Azarenka's first appearance in a Grand Slam final, so nerves can't overwhelm her. 

Keys for a Sharapova Win

The main key for Sharapova is to get her serves in.

This sounds simple, but Sharapova has struggled all tournament with it. She has had 30 double faults in Australia, including 10 in her semifinal win over Petra Kvitova.

If Sharapova lands her serves (especially her first serves), she will dictate the pace. That will allow her to set up her tremendous forehand.

If that happens, Sharapova won't be broken and this will be a relatively easy win.  

Prediction: Sharapova in Three

Her experience in Grand Slam finals will be the asset here. The two are 3-3 against each other, so neither has a real advantage.

Azarenka's serve isn't good enough to take advantage of Sharapova's mistakes. 

Sharapova	6	5	6
Azarenka	3	7	2

Follow @mdixon1985