The Breakdown: Kvitova vs. Sharapova

A slow hardcourt could prove problematic for Petra

THEIR HISTORY:  The 21-year-old Czech hit through the 2004 Wimbledon champion at the All England Club 6-3, 6-4 to win her maiden Slam in 2011. She also advanced past Sharapova in 2011 Tokyo when her foe retired with an ankle injury ahead 4-3 in the first set. Sharapova actually beat Kvitova in their first meeting at 2010 Memphis.

THEIR 2012 AUSSIE OPEN  LEVELS: It’s hard to quibble with Sharapova’s form, as she’s only dropped one set, to Sabine Lisicki in the fourth round and has easily taken care of her other four opponents. Kvitova was nearly knocked out of the tournament by Carla Suarez- Navarro, was pushed by Ana Ivanovic and  played nervously against Sara Errani, but she has stepped up when she’s needed to, which is the sign of a No. 1  to be.

WHAT’S AT STAKE: Possibly the No. 1  ranking. Sharapova has to win the tournament to regains the top spot that she last held in 2008, while “all” Kvitova has to do is keep pace with Victoria Azarenka and she’ll end the tournament as No. 1.

WHAT KVITOVA MUST DO: Have a high first serve percentage, attack Sharapova’s second serves, don’t be predictable with her forehand, take over the net and stay steady off her backhand side.  She can’t lose focus if she gets off to an early lead and has make sure to match Sharapova’s intensity level like she did at Wimbledon.

WHAT SHARAPOVA MUST DO: Make the Czech play and don’t get over anxious early. Unleash her crosscourt forehand to open up her forehand down the line. Don’t get into too many backhand to forehand rallies with the lefty.  Any time there is an opportunity, use her swing volley, which she seems to have all but abandoned By all means don’t back up after attacking a mid court ball. Keep her first percentage very high. Make the younger player  feel her presence.

THE QUOTES

SHARAPOVA: “I think she’s the one to beat right now, playing the best tennis in her career.  Coming off of so many wins last year, I’m looking forward to the match up. I don’t like losing so many times in a row. So I’ll certainly be going out there and trying to play my best.”

KVITOVA: “I have to play my game as always and be aggressive but not really hectic and be focused on every point and it’s easy.”