Oops, We Did It Again

Needing only 63 minutes on the tennis court Serena Williams crushed Maria Sharapova, the number one player in the world to lift the Australian Open, her 8th Grand title victory.

Playing like the super athlete she is, the look in her eyes made clear that Williams was going home with the trophy—she won 6-1, 6-2, and reduced Sharapova to pedestrian play.

Williams, 25, resurface with an incredible display after enduring injuries last year that had reduced her rankings to almost number 90. But at the Australian, the tables were turned and she seemed more spry and certainly more powerful and agile than her 19-year-old Russian opponent.

Williams incredible come back must force those who had written her off to re-shape their opinions. It was clear that Sharapova was in for a quick defeat after the 6-1 resounding first set victory by Williams.

Williams had only two forced faults, and enjoyed seven aces. Sharapova on the other hand suffered 6 forced faults and had only three aces. Williams’ variety of good serves kept Sharapova confused and on the defensive throughout the match. Sharapova and Williams have met four times before—they’ve each won twice. Sharapova had a big one, beating Williams in the 2004 Wimbledon finals. Now Williams has evened the score.

“I would like to thank my mom, she has been supportive,” Williams said, after her victory, having collapsed on the court like a joyous school girl. She noted that her younger opponent has several good years ahead of her, in a gracious display before hoisting the trophy.

Williams had broken Sharapova's serve as well as her resolve to open the second set. Sharapova saw some hope when Williams had consecutive double-faults to give the Russian a break point chance. Then, as if out of nowhere, Williams fired an ace to save the break point and forced back-to-back errors by rattled Sharapova. Williams was on her way to victory.

She had missed nine tournaments immediately after losing in the third round at the Australian Open last year. She had played only 16 matches in 2006, when she slumped as low as No. 140 in the rankings. The lesson obviously is never to discount a Williams sister.

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