Seven-time champion #SerenaWilliams is back to business, once again. Lifting the trophy during her last appearance in Melbourne in 2017, the American is back looking to replicate her success although she was handed an extremely tricky draw after being drawn into the same quarter with top seed Simona Halep, sister Venus Williams, and seventh seed Karolina Pliskova.
She opens her 2019 #AustralianOpen campaign against the slicey and dicey #TatjanaMaria, who has caused the top players some trouble in the past. It will be an interesting encounter considering the drastic contrast in their playing styles. It is yet another cruel draw for Maria, who was handed Maria Sharapova as her first-round opponent last year.
Williams’ recent form
Williams owned a terrific 18-6 win-loss record in 2018, although that might not have been up to her high personal standards. The 23-time Major champion, looking to break the all-time record of the most number of (singles) Grand Slams won, lost finals at Wimbledon and the US Open, keeping her just an inch away from creating history once again.
She started her year at the Hopman Cup once again, so often that it seems to be a tradition for the American now. The 16th seed ousted Maria Sakkari, Belinda Bencic, and Katie Boulter in straight sets which saw her go unbeaten in Perth although she lost all her mixed doubles matches alongside partner Frances Tiafoe. Nonetheless, those losses were not reflective of her form and she should come into Melbourne as one of the overwhelming title favourites.
Maria’s recent form
Maria, after her triumph at the Mallorca Open, has been in some poor form although she claimed a huge scalp over fifth-ranked Elina Svitolina in the opening round of Wimbledon. Her last top-50 win came over Agnieszka Radwanska in the first hurdle of the US Open, and it is also worth noting that her last WTA quarterfinal appearance also came in Mallorca.
She started the new 2019 season with a spirited performance against top seed Aryna Sabalenka, who would go on to become the eventual champion at the Shenzhen Open. Maria was a tough first-round opponent for the Belarusian and the German owned a 6-3, 3-0 lead with a double-break advantage to prove her credentials. However, Sabalenka fought back and Maria lost 10 consecutive games which ultimately saw her fall in three sets.
Maria was a lucky-loser at the Apia International Sydney, but she failed to make full use of her opportunity as she was stunned by local qualifier Priscilla Hon in the opening round which saw her enter the Australian Open without a WTA main draw win since October 2018.
Match Analysis
Maria’s slices could cause some deadly trouble for Wiliams, who would have to deal with the change in pace and rhythm of the rallies occasionally. The backhand wing of the German is exceptionally lethal, particularly when she brings out the top-spin one-handed backhand to stun her opponent. However, Maria tends to lack behind in terms of power considering the aggression from the 23-time Major champion.
Williams, as usual, will be looking to use power and placement to defeat her opponent. Her serve will be crucial and the American should be in good form as she went undefeated in Perth. Depending on how rusty her game is, Williams should be able to get straight to business and be unbothered about the tricky challenge, getting past the opening hurdle in straight sets.
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