Brisbane International: Serena Williams Extends Winning Streak over Maria Sharapova to Make it to the Finals, Is There Really a Rivalry between Williams and Sharapova

How does a player who has lost 13^th straight times to another go about finding a tactic to cause a complete reversal of the circumstances? Well, top-ranked player Serena Williams is out to prove that she's way too good for Maria Sharapova.

Williams has just extended her winning streak over Maria Sharapova as she defeated the Russian athlete in the semifinals of the Brisbane International with the score of 6-2, 7-6(7). It was Sharapova's 14^th loss from the American athlete in the last 10 years, dated back in 2004. As for Williams', it was her 15^th overall win against Sharapova, the most wins that she has over a rival.

Williams and Sharapova played down their hostility on Friday. Both athletes made no eye contact. Surely, the steamy match full of grunting and groaning couldn't have made the Australian summer hotter.

The American cruised her way through in the first set but was challenged in the second when she went down at 3-1. Sharapova showed Williams that her sturdy tennis skill had not been clouded by her nonappearance in most of the matches in the second half of 2013 due to a long-standing shoulder injury. Sharapova saved a final point she needed in the tiebreaker. However, Williams ultimately finished the match with her seventh ace.

Watch the full video of the Brisbane International semi-finals match between Williams and Sharapova below:

Video courtesy: YouTube/SerenaWILLIAMS

Williams and Sharapova Tennis Rivalry

Should we probably stop calling this a rivalry? Sharapova, herself, admits that she has to win more over Williams. "Well, I think I got to win a few times in order to call it rivalry," said Sharapova. "I haven't had a lot of success against her in the past," she added.

At the rate things are going, Williams is inevitably and consistently going to overpower Sharapova. Williams just have to continue her complete and sheer domination over Sharapova and she could leave her winless.

Brisbane International Women's Finals

The top 2 players in the world, Williams and Victoria Azarenka will compete in the finals match of the Brisbane International on Jan 4 at 5 o'clock in the afternoon. Williams and Azarenka already met in an exhibition match held in Thailand on Dec 28, where Williams lost.

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