Australian Open 2015: Maria Sharapova vs Eugenie Bouchard match preview

A look ahead to the first quarter-final match in women’s singles

Mari Sharapova faces Eugenie Bouchard in the Australian Open quarter-finals (Getty Images)

Maria Sharapova, who won a title in Brisbane just before arriving in Melbourne and thus closed the gap to world No 1 to just 681 points, is a real contender for the Australian Open title.

She had to look into the eyes of defeat as early as the second round when she had to defend two match points against Alexandra Panova.

However, it seems like she’s back on track with two easy wins since. She will now face Canada’s Eugenie Bouchard, who reached the semi-finals in her Melbourne debut last year.

Bouchard needed three sets against Irina-Camelia Begu of Romania despite an early 6-1, 3-0 lead in the fourth round, but cruised through earlier rounds of the tournament.

The rising star will be looking to overturn the 0-3 head-to head against the Russian Sharapova.

The winner will meet either Ekatarina Makarova or Simona Halep in the semi-final.

START: Tuesday, Rod Laver Arena, not before 1.30 am GMT

PAST MEETINGS:

2014 – French Open (Clay) Sharapova won 4-6, 7-5, 6-2

2013 – French Open (Clay) Sharapova won 6-2, 6-4

2013 – Miami (Hard) Sharapova won 6-2, 6-0

STATS:

Sharapova lost a total of five games in the last two matches.

Bouchard has the most break points won in the women’s event.

Sharapova challenged the most points (14) and got six of them right.

ODDS:

Sharapova to win 1.36

Bouchard to win 2.90

TV: British Eurosport