Posted on 1/25/2008 3:55:21 PM

Australian Open Women’s Final Wagering – Sharapova vs. Ivanovic

By Eric Williams

World No.5 Sharapova and World No. 3 Ana Ivanovic have split four career matches with Sharapova taking the first meeting 7-6 (3), 7-5 on the hard courts of the Generali Ladies Linz tournament in Austria in 2006 before losing to Ivanovic in Tokyo in 2007, 1-6, 0-1 while retiring from the match with an injury.

Ivanovic also ousted Sharapova at last year’s French Open, dispatching her in the semifinal round 6-2, 6-1 before losing in the championship match to Justine Henin 6-1, 6-2.

Sharapova extracted a small measure of revenge at the Tour Championships on carpet last year, beating Ivanovic 6-1, 6-2.

Now, the pair hooks up for the first grand slam final of 2008 – and the match promises to be an unforgettable affair between two of the best women players on the face of the planet.

Ivanovic had not dropped a set all tournament in reaching the semifinals until running into World No. 9 Daniela Hantuchova.

After losing the first set 6-0 – and falling into a 2-0 hole to start the second, Ivanovic raised the level of her play and put Hantuchova away 0-6, 6-3, 6-4, though the victory did not come without its share of controversy as Hantuchova accused Ivanovic of shuffling her feet to make loud squeaking noises just as she began her service toss each serve.

Ivanovic, who did, make those noises, whether on purpose or not, will need much more than some extra noise to beat Sharapova who has looked absolutely fantastic this entire tournament.

Not only has Sharapova not dropped a set this entire tournament, but she has looked extremely impressive in dispatching her last four opponents while dropping just one game in each of her final four closing sets.

Sharapova dispatched unseeded Elena Vesnina, World No. 11 Elena Dementieva, World No. 1 Justine Henin with 6-0 closing sets before beating World. No. 3 Jelena Jankovic with a final set of 6-1.

Analysis: While Ivanovic obviously has a shot after splitting four career matches with Sharapova, the fact of the matter right now is that Sharapova is a bit too lysis:sharp for any player in the world right now, including Ivanovic. After watching her dispatch Henin and Jankovic with ease – and Ivanovic struggle against Hantuchova - there is no doubt in my mind that Sharapova is going to win this tournament.

Australian Open Free Pick: Maria Sharapova in straight sets

07:00 PM EST Tennis Betting

Maria Sharapova -5 -120

-600

Ana Ivanovic +5 -120

+350

WTA Australian Open - Final