Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova will be the big match of the 1st round at the Australian Open.
Currently ranked no.98, the Russian was one the most dangerous floaters (not seeded players), and destiny wanted her to face her rival no.1 Serena Williams.
Maria Sharapova’s season
The Russian is still struggling with her form, and she is ranked only no.84 with an unflattering 8-6 win-loss record in the season. Maria is currently partnering with Riccardo Piatti to try to get her best form.
Serena Williams
Currently ranked no.8, also Serena is battling with all sorts of injuries since she is back from her pregnancy. The former world no.1 reached the final in Toronto earler this month before withdrawing when she was trailing 1-3 against Bianca Andreescu because of a problem to her back. Serena decided not to compete in Cincinnati to be fully ready for the last slam of the year. Williams is the US Open runner-up after she lost in a controversial final last year to Naomi Osaka.
Head to head Serena Williams vs. Maria Sharapova
The American leads Maria 19-2 in head to head matches and the last time that Sharapova defeated Williams was 15 years ago.
Head 2 Head
Williams, Sharapova’s projected path
After clashing in the 1st round, this is the projected path of the winner between Serena and Maria
R2 – Bacsinszky
R3 – Hsieh
R4 – Sevastova
1/4 – Barty
1/2 – Pliskova
Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova |
| Embed from Getty Images |
Here the Women’s draw
