DPA/Melbourne


Five-time grand slam winner Maria Sharapova is not letting thoughts of her 2-16 record against Australian Open opponent Serena Williams colour her preparation for today’s final with her biggest rival.
Sharapova last won a match in the series a decade ago and lost to the American twice last season. For the world number two, this latest final is all about starting a fresh and burying the past.
“I’m going into a Grand Slam final, I don’t want to focus on (the record). This is a new match,” said the 27-year-old Russian who holds five grand slam titles against 18 for Williams.
“My confidence should be pretty high going into a final of a grand slam no matter who I’m facing. Even if I’ve had a terrible record, to say the least, against someone, it doesn’t matter.
“I got to the final for a reason. I belong in that spot. I will do everything I can to get the title.”
Sharapova lifted the Melbourne title in 2009 while  Williams holds five, the last one earned in 2010.
“It’s been a really long time since I won here. It would be extremely meaningful for me to win it again,” said the Russian, who will be competing in her fourth Melbourne final. “I’ve had really good matches and a good record here in Australia, even since the junior days.
“I’ve been able to carry it over as a professional. I’ve had many great memories on Rod Laver Arena. I’ve hopefully set myself up for another good one.”
Sharapova knows she can’t rely on the same tired tactics against Williams if she is to stop the rot. “Her power and her aggressiveness, have always made me a little bit too aggressive, maybe going for a little bit more than I had to.
“She’s great at making players hit that shot that you don’t necessarily have to go for. It’s been a really difficult matchup for me, but I’m a competitor. I will go out and I will do everything I can to try to change that (losing) result around.”
Williams will be trying to win her second straight major after the US Open last September with the 33-year-old now assured of holding onto the WTA top ranking no matter what happens as she meets the number two player.
“Maria is playing great. she’s a fighter and she refuses to give up.  This will be a new match. She has nothing to lose, once again - she has only things to gain.
“I feel that way, too. I’ve won this tournament several times. I don’t have to go out there and have another title. I want it - but it’s not life or death for me.
“That helps me he relax. Neither of us have anything to lose, so it will be fun.”
Williams has her strategy mapped out. “It’s going to be important for me to get off to a good start. If not, I’m going to be ready to fight. I can see that she wants to do well.”