Australian Open preview and odds: Serena Williams vs Maria Sharapova

Published on: 25/01/2016

Australian Open preview and odds: Serena Williams vs Maria Sharapova

January 26 2016 11:00am - Rod Laver Arena

Australian Open - Quarter-finals

Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova will go head-to-head in the Australian Open for the fourth time with the Russian looking for her first win in 12 years over her rival.

Serena still at the top of her game

With the exception of a slightly stuttering start against Camila Giorgi in the first round, Serena Williams has barely broken a sweat on her way to yet another Australian Open quarter-final. The American now faces a player that she has had the better of for many years.

The 34-year-old has not been required to play at her best level yet and may need to move in to a higher gear against Sharapova. Her service game has been slightly below par but she has dominated her opponents on the return.

Key stats from William`s fourth round match:

- First serve success: 57%

- Points won on first serve: 75%

- Points won on second serve: 61%

- Net points won: 75%

- Unforced errors: 15

- Returns won: 57%

- Break points won: 5 out of 12

Sharapova out to break Williams hoodoo

Maria Sharapova had a slight slip-up when she dropped a set against Lauren Davis in the third round and also found it tough going against Belinda Bencic in the fourth round. The World No. 5 must now try to overcome the physical and mental challenge of playing her American nemesis.

If anything, the 27-year-old has suffered a dip in form since the last time the two players met, while Williams has maintained her excellent level.

Key stats from Sharapova`s fourth round match:

- First serve success: 47%

- Points won on first serve: 85%

- Points won on second serve: 45%

- Net points won: 63%

- Unforced errors: 46

- Returns won: 45%

- Break points won: 5 out of 16

Betting odds and tips

Based on current form, Williams should have no problem finding a way past Sharapova. You can back the American at -5 in the Games Handicap market at 5/4 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 25/01/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (25/01/2016 17:04:54) but are subject to change.