Maria Sharapova has displayed the sort form at Melbourne Park that led to two grand slam trophies, however the world number five claims quarter final opponent Justine Henin is the woman to beat at the Australian Open.
Sharapova wasn’t getting carried away with her blistering 6-2, 6-0 demolition of Russian compatriot Elena Dementieva.
“I did a good job of just being solid,” Sharapova said.
“I don’t know what my stats were on the first-serve percentage, but I feel that maybe that can go up a little bit.”
Sharapova is yet to drop set this week. Neither has Henin. The Belgian has dominated Sharapova in the past, winning six of their eight matches.
“She’s the one to beat,” Sharapova said. “She’s on a pretty good winning streak.”
“Against someone that’s number one in the world, someone who has a lot of confidence, you’ve got to take your chances and take the opportunities because you won’t get many, and if you do, you’ve really got to take them.
Sharapova believes she’s better quipped now to win such a match than earlier in her career.
“You know, when I was younger, I used to hit two or three balls and then go for the winner. But as physically I’ve become stronger and better, I’m able to play longer matches and longer points.”
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