Australian Open 2015 Women's Final: Vital Viewing Info for Williams vs. Sharapova

The 2015 Australian Open has been filled with entertaining matchups and unforeseen upsets, but the focus has shifted to the women’s Grand Slam final between No. 1 seed Serena Williams and No. 2 seed Maria Sharapova.

The two women have a long history against each other, but Williams has utterly dominated Sharapova, with the Russian’s last victory over her American challenger coming over 10 years ago on Nov. 15, 2004.

Sharapova will try to buck the trend, but Williams won’t go down without a fight.

Here is all the vital viewing information needed for the women’s Australian Open final between Williams and Sharapova.

Where: Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia

When: Saturday, Jan. 31

Start Time: Not before 3:30 a.m. ET

Watch: ESPN

Live Stream: WatchESPN and AusOpen.com

Replay Coverage: ESPN 3

Breaking Down No. 1 Serena Williams vs. No. 2 Maria Sharapova

Vincent Thian/Associated Press

There have been several marquee women’s matchups in the 2015 Australian Open, but the upcoming battle between Williams and Sharapova will steal the show without a doubt.

Williams ran through the first two rounds against Alison Van Uytvanck and Vera Zvonareva without dropping a set but ended up playing three ranked players in the next four rounds.

After losing the first set against both No. 26 seed Elina Svitolina and No. 24 seed Garbine Muguruza in the third and fourth rounds, respectively, Williams bounced back and dominated each matchup to advance. Add in a straight-set win over No. 11 seed Dominika Cibulkova, and Williams entered the semifinals with serious momentum.

Young American Madison Keys gave Williams a challenge, but Williams was just too strong, winning 7-6 (7-5), 6-2. After beating Keys in the semifinals, she spoke to Jim Caple of ESPNW.com about the matchup against Sharapova and how she matches up to her challenger:

"

I think it's great for women's tennis. I think it's good for me and Maria. I'm excited. Like I said, I love playing her. I look forward to it. I think my game matches up well against her. I love playing her. I think it's fun. I love her intensity. For whatever reason, I love playing [her]. I just have the time of my life.

"

Fox Sports' official Twitter account shared its excitement for the women’s final:

"

Serena Williams defeats Madison Keys and advances to the #AusOpen Finals to face Sharapova! pic.twitter.com/uHThomV7HJ

— FOX Sports Live (@FOXSportsLive) January 29, 2015"

For Sharapova, the road to the final has been dominant. Not only has she dropped just one set all tournament, but she has also squared off against four ranked players thus far and will square off against the No. 1 in the world in the final.

Victories over No. 31 seed Zarina Diyas, No. 21 seed Peng Shuai, No. 7 seed Eugenie Bouchard and No. 10 seed Ekaterina Makarova have given Sharapova confidence, and she will need it after struggling so badly against Williams in their career matchups.

Sharapova is playing strong and has been dominant along the baseline. Williams will bring her power in the final, but the Russian star will not be overpowered and will return with as much power as she receives.

Williams has been dealing with an illness, and she must be ready for an extended battle against a player who is desperate to buck her losing streak. If Sharapova finds any weakness in Williams’ game, this matchup could go either way.

Prediction: Williams def. Sharapova, 6-3, 4-6, 7-5.

*Stats and information via AusOpen.com.