MELBOURNE—It has been a rough couple of days for the WTA's Big 3. First, Serena Williams exited in the quarterfinals with a stiff back and a blown-up ankle. The next day, No. 2 Maria Sharapova, after appearing to be in world-beating form, was ambushed by Li Na in the semis. Finally, No. 1 seed Victoria Azarenka, while she survived to reach the final, did so under a cloud of suspicion and scorn after taking a 10-minute medical timeout before the last game of her semifinal. None of these women came out unscathed.
The final we’ve been given isn’t the one that was widely predicted. Instead of Serena vs. Maria, we have Vika vs. Li Na. But neither is it a total surprise. Both of these players have a history of success here. Azarenka won this tournament last season, and Li was one set from doing the same in 2011.
Who will win when they meet on Saturday night in Rod Laver Arena? Here’s a five-point breakdown.