Internazionali BNL D'Italia 2012: Maria Sharapova Makes Statement with Title Win

Li Na had herself setup very nicely for a win at the 2012 ATP Internazionali BNL d'Italia, but in the end it was Maria Sharapova who overcame her opponent and defended her title.

This was a huge statement win from Sharapova.

Na had an advantage coming into this finals match due to the fact that her semifinals opponent, Serena Williams, had withdrawn because of a back injury. This meant less wear and tear for Na going into the final, while meanwhile, Sharapova had to play her match against Angelique Kerber—which she won 6-3, 6-4.

Na was also able to win the first set 6-4, so it would have seemed that Sharapova was well behind the eight ball, but everything changed as Sharapova was able to roar back to win the next set and the tiebreaker.

The match included swings in momentum and rain delays, but in the end it was Sharapova who came out on top, as Tweeted out by Tennis Connected:

"

Sharapova completes a topsy turvy, rained delayed final victory over Li Na to defend her @InteBNLdItalia title.

— Tennis Connected (@TennisConnected) May 20, 2012"

Sharapova won the match 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-5) to defend her Rome Title.

The statement made by Sharapova in this win was a huge one. The odds were against her, the match was up and down, and the weather was crazy, but she was able to hold on and defend her championship—even with her opponent more rested than she was.

What does this say to me?

The one knock on her as of late is that she hasn't been able to finish tournaments and come up on top—we all know second place isn't good enough—but she showed us here that she's talented and focused enough to do so with this win over a good opponent under unfavorable circumstances.

Now she needs to keep it up...

Sharapova is ready to face whatever she has to in order to win big. She'll be able to if she takes this form into the upcoming French Open and beyond.