Jonathan Healy
at Melbourne Park
Russian Maria Sharapova feels back where she belongs after reaching her first Grand Slam final in four years at the Australian Open.
Sharapova won through to the title decider at Melbourne Park with a 6-2 3-6 6-4 victory over Petra Kvitova on Thursday and will now face Victoria Azarenka in Saturday's final.
Sharapova had all her big weapons on song when getting past Kvitova and is banking on her past experience in Grand Slam finals will help her defeat Azarenka.
"It means so much to be back in a Grand Slam final, a stage I have been to before a few years ago here," Sharapova said.
"It's nice to get that far again after losing quite early in the last couple of years."
"At the end of the day, to get back to that stage is special."
The final will take on extra significance given the winner will also claim the top ranking in women's tennis, but Sharapova said she is only concerned about winning the title.
"Having been in that position before (No.1 ranking), it doesn't really (mean anything) to me," Sharapova remarked when asked about how she would feel about gaining the top ranking.
"I think personally, for me, it's more about the Grand Slam win than the No.1 ranking."
"That's just always been the goal for me."
Sharapova has played Azarenka six times in the past, with the duo having won three times apiece.
But importantly, Azarenka has been victorious in two of their past three encounters and Sharapova knows she is going to have a tough battle on her hands.
"She's a really, really good player and I haven't had great success against her in the last couple of events that we've played against each other," Sharapova said.
"I'd really like to change that."
And the 24-year-old knows she will have to be aggressive right from the start if she is to match it with the underrated Belarusian.
"It will be important to tactically play right," she said.
"She makes you hit a lot of balls and she's aggressive, as well."
"If I'm playing well, that's usually kind of how my game is."
"If I'm playing defensive or on the defense, then my chances are pretty bad."