5 Things Maria Sharapova Must Accomplish to Have a Successful 2015 Season
Going into 2015, Maria Sharapova faces the familiar challenge of trying to dethrone Serena Williams.
Considering Sharapova's history against the world No. 1, it would be easy to reduce her 2015 objective to solving the "Serena problem." However, Sharapova has managed to have many successful seasons without defeating Williams.
Indeed, Sharapova grabbed two French Open titles in three years without a win over Williams. Of course, Sharapova would love to end her 15-match losing streak to Williams. But she doesn't have to. It wasn't necessary last year and it won't be in 2015.
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Instead, Sharapova needs to focus on improving her game. Because Williams is just one player among many on the WTA Tour.
If Sharapova can accomplish the following, 2015 will be another successful year.
1. Improve Serve
Sharapova's serving woes are well documented. Although she has recovered from the shoulder surgery she underwent in 2008, she has yet to find a consistent serve. She had 369 double faults to 198 aces in 2014. How does that compare to other top-five players?
Serena Williams had 208 double faults and 452 aces, tops on the tour. Ana Ivanovic had 236 double faults and 231 aces. Petra Kvitova had 216 double faults and 263 aces. Meanwhile, Simona Halep had just 196 double faults and only 159 aces.
Sharapova is simply giving away way too many free points. Her predictably unpredictable service game is one of the reasons she struggles to close out some matches. If her goal is to take the No. 1 spot from Williams, a good start would be to close the 171 point-differential in double faults.
2. Increase time at the Net
Sharapova played mixed doubles with Andy Murray during the International Premier Tennis League. She probably spent more time at the net in their two brief matches than she has her entire career. Sharapova has managed to have a successful and lucrative career, therefore there is no reason to make wholesale changes to her game.
However, even just a little more time at the net, just a smidgen of serve-and-volley, would be enough to keep her opponents guessing. Her biggest problem when facing familiar foes is that her game is far too predictable.
3. Put Away Challengers Early
In 2014, Sharapova became the queen of three-set matches. Known for her mental toughness, Sharapova often found ways to dig herself out of trouble and claw her way to victory. As commendable as that is, it's something she should seek to avoid in 2015. Instead of constantly having to dig herself out of holes, Sharapova needs to vanquish lower-seeded challengers early. Why give them hope? Keep the accelerator on and blow them off the court
4. Reduce Unforced Errors
Sharapova's 2014 French Open final win against Simona Halep, was named one of the best matches of the year by Tennis.com. Sharapova defeated Halep 6-4, 6-7, 6-4. She won despite having 52 unforced errors and 12 double faults in that match.
Players who go for broke on their shots tend to have higher unforced errors. That's acceptable when unforced errors are eclipsed by winners. Too often this is not the case with Sharapova. She had 46 winners in that match against Halep.
Few players swing so fiercely and freely as Sharapova. Yet she needs to clean up the errant forehands if she wants 2015 to match or exceed the success she experienced in 2014.
5. Win a Slam
Although Sharapova has five Grand Slam titles and a career Grand Slam, she's yet to win more than two Slams in one year. That's OK. With Williams gunning for history and newcomers like Eugenie Bouchard and Simona Halep seeking their first major titles, Slam chasing is getting more difficult.
So any Grand Slam title would be a major accomplishment for Sharapova. It would give her six and put her just one behind Venus Williams for No. 2 among active players.
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