Prelude to Australian Open!

Australian Open warm up.

Sharapova is World No.5 a past winner at the US open and Wimbledon while Williams is currently the World No. 8 and a six time Grand Slam winner.

Venus Williams beat Russia’s Maria Sharapova in straight set. That was last Saturday at JB Group Classic exhibition in Hong Kong. The score was 6-4, 6-3.

In the early games both Williams and Sharapova held serve comfortably. Sharapova faltered first as both players held serve comfortably in the early games. After a long rally, serving 4-5 in the first set, Sharapova sent a backhand into the net. She missed another backhand that gave Williams a one-set lead. Sharapova was noticeably erratic in the second set. On the other hand, Williams had hamstring soreness but appeared unaffected on last Saturday’s game. She felt better after treatment. Notwithstanding a fall on her left wrist while practicing in Hong Kong.

Sharapova took some chances since she played against an opponent in good form. William was serving consistently then, while Sharapova did not take chances on opportunities who played poorly on second serves.

Since the Australian Open is scheduled to take place this week, that is January 14 to 27 to be exact. And surely this will be an exciting and breathe taking game with the calibers of Williams and Sharapova. May the best win! Good luck!