Maria Sharapova was dominant in claiming the BNP Paribas Open title last week as she managed to win the tournament without dropping a single set.  However, with Victoria Azarenka succumbing to an injury in the quarterfinals and the Williams’ sisters refusal to participate in the BNP Paribas Open, one could argue that the current #2 female tennis player in the world wasn’t exactly handed a stern test of opposition in the tournament.  That should change this week as Maria Sharapova seeks out her first ever win at the Sony Open in Miami.

Although Sharapova spent a great part of her youth in Florida, she has yet to with the Sony Open and has come painfully close on several occasions.  Having reached the final match on four separate occasions, including the past two years, Sharapova has yet to even win a single set in these matches.

Sharapova surely wants to add this Sony Open to her outstanding record that includes a victory at each of the major Grand Slam tournaments.  In her way stands the imposing Serena Williams, the #1 woman in the world, and a five-time Sony Open champion.

Serena Williams extended her dominance over Maria Sharapova to ten straight matches last month in the Qatari Open, defeating the Russian star in straight sets to earn a final berth.  However, if Sharapova has one memory to look back upon fondly, it was her 2004 Wimbledon title that propelled her to stardom in tennis after she defeated Serena Williams in the final as a 17 year old:

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoEuR85DAq8?rel=0]

Maria Sharapova will need to be at her absolute best to take on an opponent like Serena Williams, and there is a great possibility that this matchup could be the final at the Sony Open.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soHotrFAa_Y&w=560&h=315] [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAy5a1yqJAk&w=560&h=315] [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_ysJIqyoao&w=560&h=315]