Maria`s 2015 results

2015 RESULTS:

Brisbane - Champion

Australian Open - Final

Acapulco - Semifinal

Indian Wells - 4th Round

Miami Open - 2nd Round

Stuttgart - 2nd Round

Madrid - Semifinal

Roma - Champion

Roland Garros - 4th Round

Wimbledon - Semifinal

Rogers Cup - Withdrawn

Cincinnati - Withdrawn

US Open - Withdrawn

Wuhan Open - 2nd Round

WTA Finals - Semifinal

GO MARIA!!!

Bounce back!

Maria needed 2 hours and 47 minutes to defeat Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland in 3 sets: 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.

After her first match Red Group at the WTA Finals 2015, Maria said: "This is my first completed match since July, so it's a pretty big deal for me!"

"Coming into this event I did everything I could to be healthy. I just didn't quite know how my results would go. Even though I didn't play my best tennis today I still got through, and that's what matters, especially against such a tough competitor like Radwanska. We always have such close matches here."

"To fight hard and be able to win the match in the end means so much to me."

"I'm so happy I'm at this point, but it's one match down - I still have a few to go."

In second match of the group, Maria will against Simona Halep of Romania.

GO MARIA !!!

US Open withdrawal

Maria has witdrawn from the US Open with a right leg injury.

The next tournament in Maria`s schedule is China Open. The tournament will start on October 3.




GO MARIA!!!

Maria withdraws from Rogers Cup

Maria has withdrawn from Rogers Cup with a right leg strain.

She said: I`m verry disappointed to have to withdraw from next week`s Rogers Cup due to a right leg strain that occurred in training a few days ago. I did everything possible to be ready , but my doctors have advised me that I can`t compete next week. The Rogers Cup is one of the best events on the WTA and I will miss my amazing fans."

The next tournament in Maria`s schedule is Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati. The tournament starts on August 17th.


GO MARIA !!!

semiFINAL

Maria was tested by Coco Vandeweghe in Wimbledon quarterfinal, but she managed to earn her place in the semifinals after a 3 sets match victory: 6-3, 6-7, 6-2 after 2 hours and 45 minutes.

After the quarterfinal, Maria said: "I've played five matches already, I've faced different challenges, matches, opponents, circumstances - the first four matches I was playing quite well and got the job done in two sets."

"Today, serving for the second set, I could have made it easier. It went to a third, but I still got the job done. I have to be pleased with that, that I'm in the semifinals again here after so many years."

"It's a special feeling.I had a really tough match last year against Kerber. Everyone looks at results, but I really felt like although I lost in the fourth round, my game on grass had really improved. I really felt confident. It was tough, because I felt a few points could have changed things around, and from then on you really never know how things will evolve and what chances you might have."

"Overall I'm happy I was able to take that loss and move up a few steps further this year."

"I haven't seen the names on the trophy in a while because I haven't held the trophy in many years. I've only seen it on the board. I know it's there, but I'd love to see it again to make sure it's still there!"

"Obviously being a small part of its history is an incredible feeling. It's something that I'll be able to cherish for the rest of my life - to be able to tell my future children that mommy won Wimbledon, I have proof. It's on the trophy. It's an incredible achievement. As you go about your tennis career, you don't always realize your accomplishments because you're so busy, and you're just always thinking about the next one, the next event, just trying to do something better and keep going. You never have the time to slow down and really appreciate all of your accomplishments, even as a young teenage girl."

"So I think I'll really be able to share those memories with my kids with I'm older."

The semifinal will be like a final for Maria because she will play against Serena Williams of United States. The last victory of Maria against Serena is dated in 2004 at the WTA Championships when she defeated the american player in 3 sets: 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 to win the title.

Maria has only 2 victories in 19 matches against Serena. 

GO MARIA!!!

Another step forward

Victory for Maria in Wimbledon 4th Round against Zarina Diyas in straight sets: 6-4, 6-4 after one hour and 37 minutes of play.

After the match, Maria said: "Looking back at last year's match against Kerber, it was a tough three-setter, a very physical match, and I didn't come through. Of course you always think back, think about what could have happened if you'd managed to win a few of those points, and how far you could have gone."

"Obviously, being back in the situation of the fourth round at Wimbledon, I tried to put all of my effort to get further," the Russian continued. "And as we all know, it will only get tougher from here."

In quarterfinals, Maria will play against Coco Vandeweghe of United States. About her next opponent, Maria said: "I think it's been a tremendous effort for her to get to this stage," Sharapova said. "Her game really revolves around that serve, and she's been using it quite effectively in her previous four matches."

"It's always tricky playing against a really good server on grass, because a few points here and there can ultimately tell the difference in the winner and the loser. But I'm looking forward to that match-up."

Maria never played Vandeweghe before.

GO MARIA!!!

Maria in 4th Round!

Maria won her 3rd Round match at Wimbledon against Irina-Camelia Begu of Romania in straight sets: 6-4, 6-3 after one hour and 23 minutes of play.

After the match, Maria said:"Considering I didn't play a tournament before Wimbledon, with each match I've had a different type of opponent on different courts, and I've been handling it quite well.Today was another match against a big server and a big hitter, and on grass that can be quite dangerous.

"I was quite happy that I was able to win the match in a solid two sets."

In 4th Round, Maria will play agianst Zarina Diyas of Kazakhstan. About her next opponent, Maria said: "I played Diyas in Australia. I think that was our first meeting.

"This one will be a new match, and a chance to get to the quarterfinals, a place where I lost last year."

On head to head, Maria leads Diyas: 1-0. Their only match was this year at Australian Open, when Maria won in striaght sets: 6-1, 6-1.

GO MARIA!!!

Marching on!

Another straight set victory for Maria at Wimbledon after only one hour and 5 minutes against Richel Hogenkamp of the Netherlands: 6-3, 6-1.

After the 2nd Round match, Maria said: "I didn't find the rhythm on my serve in a few of those games. I think the good thing, though, is that I regained my timing and started tossing the ball a little bit more consistently."

"Overall, it was different conditions that my first round match. The court played a lot slower. We had a lot longer rallies. I didn't get a huge advantage off the serve or the return today - I didn't serve my best - and maybe I made a few too many unforced errors. But overall, once we got into the rallies, once I realized I needed to be a little more patient, then things started working a little better for me."

"I like to make things very simple, no matter where they're from, or where my coach is from. Obviously he's known her game for quite some time. Me, not so much. I think that was a good thing."

"But like I said it's best not to overthink things. Different opponent, new court, different conditions. I think just trying to figure that out from the beginning was more important than anything else."

In Wimbledon 3rd Round, Maria will play against Irina-Camelia Begu of Romania. On head to head, Maria leads Begu: 1-0. Their only match was 3 years ago, in 2012 at Mutua Madrid Open, where Maria won in straight sets: 6-0, 6-3.

GO MARIA !!!

First grass victory of the year

Maria needed one hour and 22 minutes for her first victory on grass in 2015. She defeated Johanna Konta of United Kingdom in straight sets: 6-2, 6-2.

After the 1st Round match, Maria said: "I was quite pleased with the way things went today."

"It was my first competitive match in about four weeks, so I just wanted to start off really strong, not knowing much about my opponent, just the results she had last week. So coming in without any proper grass court matches, I just wanted to take care of business, and I thought I did a good job of that."

"She was a solid opponent - I really had to work for my points. I thought she served really well. Probably one of the reasons she did well last week, she serves quite low on grass. It's a big advantage. She served second serves very fast, I believe mid-90s. That's a pretty great second serve.

"I felt quite well on the return. That helped me get in the point and get the first shot playing."

In Wimbledon`s 2nd Round, Maria will play against Richel Hogenkamp of the Netherlands. Maria never played Hogenkamp before.

GO MARIA!!!

Maria into RG 4th Round

Maria continues her journey in Paris after her victory against Sam Stosur of Australia in straight sets: 6-3, 6-4 after one hour and 40 minutes.

After the match, Maria said: "I was just really happy to win this one.I knew it was going to be a tough one going into the match. I just wanted to be as ready as I could, and I was really happy I was able to win it."

"Against Sam I know I have to take care of my service games because she's capable of serving really well. I'm also a tall girl, so the kick she's able to give on the second serve maybe doesn't bother me as much as other players. I quite like that ball. But we've had many tough matches despite my record, and it's not something I look at very lightly when I go up to that match. I know I have to beat a good player."

"She's been playing really well and loves playing here. So I thought it was a great result for me."

"Just getting the job done. The conditions in the first match and today have been quite tough. And in those moments it's always tough to really assess the level, because as much as you want to improve and find some sort of perfection, you never quite know where the direction will be. Especially with the spin of my opponent today, I just had to be steady and consistent, and I did that quite well."

In 4th Round, Maria will play against Lucie Safarova of Czech Republic. About her 4th Round opponent, Maria said: "We haven't played in a while.The last time was a really tough match in Stuttgart last year where she was serving for the match. I know I have a tough one ahead of me, and lefties are always tricky. It will be my firs

t one of the tournament. I will definitely need to be ready against her."

"But I know what I have to do. I just have to get it done."

On head to head, Maria leads Safarova: 4-1. Their last match was last year in Stuttgart, where Maria won in 3 sets: 7-6, 6-7, 7-6.


GO MARIA !!!

No problem in RG 2nd Round

Maria defeated Vitalia Diatchenko of Russia in straight sets: 6-3, 6-1 in 2nd Round at Roland Garros.

In 3rd Round, Maria will play against Samantha Stosur of Australia. About her opponent, Maria said: "She has a very heavy ball, and I think on clay specifically it just really penetrates through the court," Sharapova said of Stosur. "The spin she's able to create from her forehand and her serve, she has one of the best kick serves in the game. She's really able to put that power into it and kick. She also slices a lot. There are a lot of untraditional things she does, but I guess I enjoy the challenge of playing her.

"I have a pretty good record against her. I enjoy our matches. I hope I can continue that."

On head to head, Maria leads Stosur: 14-2. Their last match was last year at Roland Garros, when Maria won in 3 sets: 3-6, 6-4, 6-0.

GO MARIA !!!

Title defense started in Paris

Maria started her title defense campaign at Roland Garros with a straight set victory against Kaia Kanepi of Estonia: 6-2, 6-4 after one hour and 24 minutes of play.

After the match, Maria said: "I'm getting over it, and hopefully it will pass by soon. But obviously it was such a big occasion for me to be back out on center court, and I had a tough opponent ahead of me. And the conditions were pretty difficult as well. So I knew it wasn't just going to depend on the tennis today."

"Overall I'm just happy I got through it and have a day off tomorrow - I should be better by then."

On title defense campaign, Maria said:  "Every time is different. I think you always look back at all the different memories that you've created over the years, and I've obviously had many great ones and many tough ones.

"I always love coming back the first few days when the tournament is just getting going and you only see the staff around," Sharapova continued. "I think that's always quite special, a little bit eerie, and there's no one really there and you've able to re-live your special moment in your mind a little bit."

In 2nd Round, Maria will play against Vitalia Diatchenko of Russia. Maria never played Diatchenko before. About her 2nd Round opponent, Maria concluded: "I got to know her during Fed Cup this year," Sharapova said. "That was really the first time we spent together. I didn't get a chance to practice with her, though. I saw her play doubles a little bit - maybe it was good because it was the first time I had really seen her strike the ball. She's a big hitter."

GO MARIA!!!

Maria seeking her 2nd title of the year

Maria is in Rome final after she defeated Daria Gavrilova of Russia in straight sets: 7-5, 6-3 after one hour and 48 minutes.

In the final, Maria will play against Carla Suarez-Navarro of Spain. About her last opponent at Internazionai BNL d`Italia, Maria said: "She loves this surface. She grew up on clay. I've beaten her the last couple of times, but I've had losses against her too. I know what a difficult player she can be, and she seems like she's playing with a lot of confidence right now, especially after her win in the semifinals today."

"She has one of the best one-handed backhands on the tour. It's going to be a tough final."

On head to head, Maria leads Suarez-Navarro: 3-1. Their last match was this year in Brisbane, when Maria won in straight sets: 6-1, 6-3.

GO MARIA !!!

Maria in Rome semifinal looking for revenge

Important victory for Maria in Rome quarterfinal. She defeated Victoria Azarenka of Belarus in straight sets: 6-3, 6-2 after one hour and 32 minutes.

In semifinals, Maria will play against Daria Gavrilova of Russia. About her opponent, Maria said: "I know she's come through some tough matches.She's spent a lot of time on the court this week, and she'll spend as much time on the court tomorrow as she can to win."

"There are a lot of things I could have done better in our match in Miami, and I'll be sure to try to do all of those things tomorrow, because otherwise she's a good enough player to take advantage."

On head to head, Maria is leaded by Gavrilova: 1-0. Their only match was this year in Miami 2nd Round, when Gavrilova won in straight sets: 7-6, 6-3.

GO MARIA !!!

Quarterfinal showdown in Rome

Quarterfinal spot booked by Maria after she defeated Bojana Jovanovski of Serbia in straight sets: 6-3, 6-3.

About the match, Maria said: "Today I just had to be very patient and solid.I had a tricky opponent and not easy conditions - the wind was pretty swirly out on the court, so I just had to stay steady."

"Despite a couple of breaks back and forth in the second set, I was really happy to finish so strongly."

In quarterfinals, Maria will play against Victoria Azarenka of Belaurs. On head to head, the score between Maria and Azarenka is tied at 7. Their last match was this year in Indian Wells, where Maria won in straight sets: 6-4, 6-3.

GO MARIA !!!

Maria into 3rd Round in Rome

The 2nd Round match between Maria and Jarmila Gajdosova stopped at: 6-2, 3-1 for Maria after Gajdosova accused an injury at her shoulder.

After the match, Maria said: "Madrid was really the start of my clay court season - my preparations started a little bit later this year than in previous ones. I have to take my time and get into a groove, it's been a while since I've played that many matches within a span of six days.

"It was good to feel the physicality of it again - I think the last time was during the Australian Open. I came up short against Svetlana,  but it was good to have those matches because this will be the last preparation before the French Open."

"I think mentally and physically I improved my approach. I can withstand longer rallies - the recovery is much easier for me now - but obviously it took years. I appreciate all the hard work that's gone in and now I can enjoy the battles a bit more, knowing I don't have to save myself."

In 3rd Round, Maria will play either Bojana Jovanovski or Madison Keys. 

GO MARIA !!!

Maria @ Internazionali BNL d`Italia

The draw for the Internazionali BNL d`Italia is out and Maria has a `bye` in first round.

In 2nd Round, Maria will play either Jarmila Gajdosova or a qualifier.


GO MARIA !!!

Goodbye, Madrid!

Maria was eliminated in semifinals at Mutua Madrid Open by Svetlana Kuznetsova in straight sets: 2-6, 4-6 after one hour and 29 minutes of play.

In Maria`s schedule the next tournament is Internazionali BNL d`Italia which starts in May 11.



GO MARIA !!!

Maria defeated Wozniacki for SF spot

Another important victory for Maria in Madrid. She defeated the Danish player in 3 sets: 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 in almost 2 hours of play.

After the quarterfinal match, Maria said: "I think I became a little bit more aggressive at the end. I was so far back for a long period of time after winning the first set. I definitely thought that was an improvement, something I started doing better in the third."

"And opening up the court a little bit more and then moving forward. I was staying too far back and letting her get in the rallies, which she's really good at."

To qualify for the last act, Maria must win in semifinals against Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia. On head to head, Maria leads Kuznetsova: 8-4. Their last match was last year in Beijing, where Maria won in straight sets: 6-0, 6-4.

GO MARIA !!!

Maria into Madrid QF after tough battle

After 2 easy victories against Timea Bacsinszky and Mariana Duque-Marino, Maria had her first tough test in Madrid but she managed to defeat Caroline Garcia of France in 3 sets: 6-2, 4-6, 7-5.

After the match Maria said: "I've played against her a few times and she's been young and up and coming for a few years. She's already done a great job of getting in a good position. She's winning titles and beating top players."

"I think that the most important thing is maintaining that level and keeping that consistency. You know, I've seen many of her matches and she can come up with some great stuff. She's been able to do that against really good players."

In quarterfinals, Maria will play against Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark. On head to head, Maria leads Wozniacki: 5-4. Their last match was last year in Singapore, where Wozniacki won the group match in 3 sets: 7-6, 6-7, 6-2.

GO MARIA !!!

Goodbye, Indian Wells!

Maria lost the match against Flavia Pennetta of Itlay in 3 sets: 6-3, 3-6, 2-6.

After this loss, Maria will play in Miami. The tournament begins on March 24.


GO MARIA !!!

Important victory !

Maria tied at 7 the overall score between her and Azarenka after the 3rd Round match from last night. Maria won in straight sets: 6-4, 6-3 over Azarenka.

After the match, Maria said: "It's just great to see her back healthy and playing at a good level again.She had a few comebacks last year, but it seems like she's really back on track now."

"I actually didn't feel like I played my best tennis. But I was competitive. I was there. I feel like I did everything I had to do in order to win the match, which is sometimes the most important thing."

After this blockbuster, Maria will play against the champion of last year: Flavia Pennetta of Italy for a  place in quarterfinals. On head to head the two players are tied at 2. Their last match was in 2011 at US Open, where Pennetta won in 3 sets: 6-3, 3-6, 6-4.

GO MARIA !!!

3rd Round Showdown

Maria won the 2nd Round match at BNP Paribas Open in straight sets:6-1, 7-5 against Yanina Wickmayer of Belgium and in 3rd Round, Azarenka awaits her for a match like a final.

About her 3rd Round opponent, Maria said: "It's been a while since we last played. It's going to be exciting."

"We have had some really good matches in the past, even though we haven't played against each other in a while. She's made a few comebacks, and she's already been playing really good tennis. I always look forward to our matches, and I'm sure it'll be a good one this time."

On head to head, Maria is leaded by Azarenka: 7-6. Their last match was in 2013 at Roland Garros, when Maria won in 3 sets: 6-1, 2-6, 6-4.

GO MARIA !!!

Maria withdraws from Acapulco

Unfortunately Maria had to retire from the Abierto Mexicano de Tenis in Acapulco, Mexico due to a stomach virus.

Maria said: “I’m really sorry to have to withdraw from the tournament. I had a great start to the event and was hoping I could recover in time for tonight’s match but unfortunately it was not enough time. I want to thank the tournament for organizing such a great event and most importantly the fans who were so passionate during all my matches.”

The next tournament in Maria`s schedule is Indian Wells. The tournament starts on March 11.


GO MARIA !!!

First tough battle

Maria had her toughest match in Acapulco against Magdaena Rybarikova of Slovakia, but in the end she won the quarterfinal in 3 sets: 6-1, 4-6, 6-2 after 2 hours and 13 minutes of play.

After this tough test, Maria said: "Unfortunately I've had a stomach virus for the past couple of days and during tonight's match it got a lot worse. I could not make it to press tonight as I am trying to do everything to recover for tomorrow and hoping that I will be out on the court."

If she`s OK, Maria will play in the Acapulco semifinal against Caroline Garcia of France. On head to head, Maria leads Garcia: 3-0. Their last match was last year in Brisbane, where Maria won in straight sets: 6-3, 6-0.



GO MARIA !!

Convincing victory

Another easy victory for Maria in Acapulco after she defaeted Mariana Duque-Marino of Colombia in straight sets: 6-1, 6-2 in just one hour and 8 minutes of play.

After the 2nd Round match, Maria said: "The goal is to get better and improve as I go further in the tournament."

"The day before yesterday in my first match I had to make some little adjustments while I was playing, but today I really felt better. In the end it got a little bit tough - I got broken back a couple of times - but overall I'm very happy with the way that I played tonight. I felt pretty solid out there."

Maria was asked about the atmosphere on the court and the strong fan support she had.

"I really enjoyed the atmosphere. When the crowd gets into the match and they're being supportive of both players it's extremely important to feed off their energy, because as athletes I think we always perform better when we feel the atmosphere from the music and people cheering."

"I think having that kind of atmosphere out there really helps us lift our games."

A In quarterfinals, Maria will play against Magdalena Rybarikova of Slovakia. Maria never played Rybarikova before.

GO MARIA !!!

1st victory in Mexico

Good star for Maria in Mexico. She defeated Shelby Rogers of United States in straight sets: 6-4, 6-1.

After the 1st Round match, Maria said: "I've been in many different situations in my career, and when you're down, you have to change a few things and stay positive. You just have to concentrate on one point at a time instead of the bigger result, and as the match went on I definitely felt more and more comfortable out there.

"I felt really good and really happy to perform here in front of all the fans for the first time."

Maria was asked whether the slow start could have been from the new conditions, too.

"Your first match at a new tournament is never easy. You're getting used to all of the conditions, a new place and a new atmosphere. You're also adjusting your game a little bit. The court here is quite different to the surfaces I've competed on so far this year, and the ball goes through the air because it's much warmer. You can train in new conditions as many days as you want, but it's when you go out and play an actual match when the real adjustment comes into play.

"I'm looking forward to improving as the week goes on. My opponents will get tougher and tougher."

In 2nd Round, Maria will play against Mariana Duque-Marino of Colombia.



GO MARIA !!!

Allure Magazine Interview

What’s the best beauty tip you’ve learned? “Adir [Abergel] has taught me so much about how to care for and maintain a hairstyle. Moisturization is key [Sharapova uses Drybar Mudslide Nourishing Hair Mask], and it’s really important to apply a protective shield, like Fekkai Blowout Primer, before heat.”

What beauty products can you not live without? “Homeoplasmine from French pharmacies for scrapes or burns; Avon Luck fragrance, which I pour into a small travel bottle; Fresh Rose Face Mask for a treatment after a long flight;Supergoop City Sunscreen Serum SPF 30, because it has such a silky, weightless texture; and Supergoop Forever Young Hand Cream SPF 40—so many people neglect their hands! I keep it in my bag at all times.”

How did you become involved with Supergoop? “Sunscreen is such a huge part of my daily routine. I stumbled upon Supergoop at Sephora and fell in love with the formulas. Then I was fortunate enough to meet Holly [Thaggard], the founder, and we hit it off right away. Working with the company felt like a natural next step.”

Who is your style icon? “Audrey Hepburn. I really like classic beauties who handle sophistication with ease.”

What are your favorite go-to fashion items? “Right now, I’m coveting wide-leg cropped trousers by Stella McCartney, cashmere sweaters from The Row, and vintage earrings from Broken English.”

How do you stay in shape off the court? “I love working my core. I do a combination of mat exercises and work on the Bosu ball. I’ve also tried classes with Tracy Anderson, which is a great workout!”

What’s your match-day beauty routine? “I always throw my hair back in a sleek, secure ponytail. I don’t wear any makeup while playing, because I can’t worry about it getting into my eyes or being a distraction. I learned early on that beauty should never interrupt focus on the court.”




GO MARIA !!!

Not enough...

If Maria played like she did in 2nd set probably that she would had some chances. Unfortunately she didn`t and she lost the Australian Open final in straigh sets: 3-6, 6-7 after one hour and 51 minutes of play.

After the match, Maria said:

"It's always tough getting to a final stage of an event where it's down to two players and you end up becoming the one who's going home with the smaller trophy, there's no doubt about it. No matter how you played, well or not, whatever the scoreline, it's always tough. But it will be all right."

On the huge forehands she hit to save the first two match points...
"Well, I wasn't just going to let her hit a winner to win the match. I really wanted to go for it and I wanted to do everything I could to stay in those games and stay in that match.

"On the last one, couldn't do much to get that ball."

On her difficulties with playing Serena...

"I believe we attract what we're ready for. Yes, I haven't won against her many times, but if I'm getting to the stage of competing against someone like Serena, I'm doing something well. I'm setting up a chance to try to beat her, and it hasn't happened, but I'm not just going to go home without giving it another chance. That's just not who I am and not who I was raised to be. I'm a competitor.

"If I'm getting to the finals of Grand Slams and setting myself up to play Serena, I'm happy in that position. I love the competition. I love playing against the best, and at the moment, she is."

On whether she feels like she's getting closer...

"If I keep setting up chances for myself, absolutely."

In Maria`s schedule the next tournament is FED Cup. She will play for Russia against Poland and she will represent her country against Urszula Radwanska. The tournament starts on February 7.

GO MARIA !!!

GO MARIA !!!

Less than one hour needed Maria to pass Ekaterina Makarova in semifinals at Australian Open: 6-3, 6-2.

After the semifinal match, Maria said: "It's really special. You work really hard for these two weeks and fight through some tough matches, some tough situations, and you come from behind in some of them - for me really behind in one of them, saving two match points in the second round."

Maria will play in Australian Open last act against Serena Williams. One match for the title !

About the match against Serena Williams, Maria said: "I think her power and aggressiveness has always made me a little bit too aggressive, maybe going for a little bit more than I had to," Sharapova said. "She's great at making players hit that shot that you don't necessarily have to go for, maybe going for a little too much, going for the line."

Maria`s last victory against Serena was in 2004. On head to head she is leaded by Williams: 2-16. But the statistics are nothing now. It`s one match and one title. Let`s do this ! Come on, Maria !!! You can do it !!!



GO MARIA !!!

Maria into last 4

Maria won the quarterfinal match against Bouchard in straight sets: 6-3, 6-2 and she reached to semifinals at Australian Open.

About the quarterfinal match, Maria said: "I knew I had to play a really complete match. She's someone who really goes after it and goes after her strokes, so I knew that the second and third balls would be really important. I knew I had to take time away from her and be aggressive - I wanted to get in the rallies a little bit, but I also wanted to do something on my own first few shots today."

"I feel I have a second chance in the tournament. I want to get the most out of it."

In semifinals, Maria will play against Ekaterina Makarova of Russia. Maria leads Makarova: 5-0. Their last match was two years ago, in 2013 at Australian Open and Maria won in straight sets: 6-2, 6-2.



GO MARIA !!!

Semifinal clash against Bouchard

Maria needed one hour and 15 minutes to pass Shuai Peng of China in straight sets: 6-3, 6-0.

In quarterfinals, Maria will play against Eugenie Bouchard of Canada.

About this upcoming match, Maria said: "She's been playing really well in this tournament, and also in the Slams the last year. Really confident tennis and inspired form. I expect her to play a really good match. We only played one time last year, which was at the French, and that was a really tough match for me. I had to come back from being down one set to love. I'm sure she'll come out and play extremely well."

"I personally don't know Genie very well. As a tennis player she's a big competitor. She's an aggressive player as well, who likes to take the ball early and dictate points."

On head to head, Maria leads Bouchard: 3-0. Their last match was last year at Roland Garros, when Maria won in 3 sets: 4-6, 7-5, 6-2.


GO MARIA !!!

Another step forward

No problem for Maria in 3rd Round at Australian Open. She defeated Zarina Diyas of Kazakhstan in straight sets: 6-1, 6-1 after one hour of play.

After this 3rd Round match, Maria said: "I think I rebounded well. I had a good hit yesterday. I thought about what I wanted to try to achieve tonight, no matter who I played. I focused on myself more than anything else. Just tried to be a bit more aggressive and concentrate - I thought I did a good job of focusing well."

"She can be a tough, tough player to play against if you give her the time to change down the line like she likes to do, stepping down and hitting flat and low. If you give her the time, she'll do it."

In 4th Round, Maria will play agianst Shuai Peng of China. On head to head, Maria leads Peng: 4-1. 

"We've always had good matches. She's had great success in the last few Slams. She's a bit of an untraditional player with two hands on both sides - that's a little tricky - but I enjoy playing against her. She hits the ball quite flat as well, and deep. So I just have to be ready for those shots to always come back like that. And I'm looking forward to another good match-up."

The last match bewteen Maria and Peng was in 2012 at Roland Garros, where Maria won in straight sets: 6-2, 6-1.

GO MARIA !!!