Serena Williams: Win over Maria Sharapova in Madrid Is a Huge Confidence Booster

Serena Williams' win over Maria Sharapova at the Madrid Open on Friday will be a big confidence booster for her as she looks to return to the top of the world rankings.

Sharapova was the No. 2 ranked player in the world, and Williams dominated her for most of the match, using her strong serve with great success.

Williams will play the winner of the Sam Stosur versus Lucie Hradecka quarterfinal matchup in the semifinals this weekend.

Williams lost in the fourth round of January's Australian Open and hasn't won a Grand Slam since last year's Wimbledon.

Her win over Sharapova, who is one of the best players in the world, will give Williams the confidence needed to dominate the tournaments she participates in this summer.

If Williams can play very well against opponents of the caliber of Sharapova, she will be a major contender at the French Open and at Wimbledon this season.

All it takes to regain your confidence and go on a winning streak is a massive victory against a rival who is always going to be a threat at Grand Slam tournaments.

Williams is one of the most competitive tennis players in the world and still has immense talent even at age 30.

If Williams can build on the positives from her win against Sharapova in Madrid, such as her strong serve, backhand and court awareness, then she will have successful rest of the season and have a strong chance to win the Madrid Open.