2015 Australian Open: Maria Sharapova Talks About Serena Williams’ Game Play That Gives Her Trouble

Maria Sharapova booked her place in the finals after a straight sets win 6-3 6-2 over fellow Russian Ekaterina Makarova on Jan. 29. Sharapova will now play Serena Williams, who also scored a straight sets victory over Madison Keys 7-6 6-2, for the title on Jan. 31. Speaking after her semifinals match, Sharapova talked about Williams’ game play that gives her so much trouble.

“Yeah, I think her power and her aggressiveness, I think that’s always made me a little bit too aggressive, maybe going for a little bit more than I had do,” Sharapova told the reporters. “You know, she’s great at making players hit that shot that you don’t necessarily have to go for.”

Sharapova admitted that playing Williams hasn’t always been easy for her. However, the World No. 2 remains optimistic that she will be able to play her best tennis to end Williams’ 15-match winning streak against her.

According to Sharapova, she doesn’t have a specific plan going into the match. She just keeps a mind-set that allows her to enjoy the tournament as it progresses. Sharapova added that she has great confidence for Saturday’s final regardless of her opponent.

“I got there for a reason,” Sharapova further lamented. “I belong in that spot and I will do everything I can to get the title.”

Sharapova trails Williams 16-2 in their head-to-head record. The Russian tennis star hasn’t won against Williams since 2004 during the Wimbledon and the WTA Tour Championships. In their last 11 matches, Sharapova has only managed to win one set against the American.

As for Williams, she is proud of her head-to-head record against Sharapova but made it clear that it is not something that she constantly brags about. Williams said Sharapova has been a wonderful player of the current generation who just keeps on working to get better.

“I love playing her, I think it’s fun,” Williams said. “I love her intensity.”

It will be the first time since 2004 that the top two seeds will meet in a powerhouse Australian Open final. Sharapova will be playing her fourth Australian Open final, while Williams will be playing for her sixth.

To reach the author of this article, email r.corpuz@IBTimes.com.au.