Australian Open 2015: Predictions for Top Stars in Day 13 Singles Draw
The ladies take center stage at the 2015 Australian Open on Day 13, and no one could ask for a more appealing match. No. 2 Maria Sharapova will try to conquer world No. 1 and her own personal nemesis Serena Williams in the women's final.
In what could be loosely described as a rivalry, Williams has won 16 of the 18 head-to-head meetings. That includes 14 straight dating back to 2004. Twice Williams has sent Sharapova packing at the Aussie Open, and she hopes to keep her dominance intact on Saturday.
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Beyond the lopsided on-court rivalry, these two women simply don't appear to like each other very much. In 2013, things got personal as the two women appeared to attack each other's romantic relationships, per The Rolling Stone and The Guardian (via USA Today).
Truth be told, this match doesn't need the extracurricular elements to be compelling. The two best female players in the world are about to go head to head for the first Grand Slam title of 2015. That is more than enough to excite the tennis world. Here are the keys to victory for both women.
Serena Williams
Serve With Dominance Early
Per Nick McCarvel of USA Today, tennis great Martina Navratilova said this about Sharapova's mental state heading into a battle with Williams.
"The belief is down. You cannot be human and think that she doesn't have doubts after being beaten so many times in a row."
Williams must make sure that doubt stays in her opponent's head early. She can best do that by serving well in the first set. If she can overpower Sharapova with her serve, it's only a matter of time before Sharapova accepts that another loss is inevitable.
Limit Unforced Errors
When Williams is on, the only person who can beat her is herself. When she looks mortal, it's usually because of unforced errors. She then begins to get too emotional and the errors become a slippery slope.
If she makes a few in a row, she must maintain composure so as not to let the match become a train wreck. If this happens, Sharapova will gain confidence, and we'll be reminded just how good she really is.
Maria Sharapova
Get Something out of Her Serve
In her last two meetings with Williams, Sharapova's serve has been mediocre to say the least. She's had 13 double faults and no aces. Not only do those numbers represent 13 potential lost points, it's also demoralizing when you consider the way Serena can dominate with her service game.
Sharapova will never use the serve quite the way Williams does, but she must at least be efficient and not allow her opponent to rest during her return game.
Take Advantage of Break Opportunities
When and if Williams shows cracks in her own service game, Sharapova must make her pay. The break points are the key to getting Williams emotionally negative and down on herself. It can also lead to a boost in Sharapova's confidence.
If she can take advantage of some early opportunities to break Williams, we could see a turnaround, and at least a competitive match between these two elite players.
If not, chalk up a 15th straight win for Williams over Sharapova, and a 19th Grand Slam title.
Prediction
Mentally, Williams owns Sharapova. Aside from some sort of early meltdown by Williams, it's hard to imagine her losing to her rival, especially when she's played so well during this tournament.
Serena wins again.
Match stats per MatchStat.com
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