With the spot in the finals of the US Open at stake, World No.1 Victoria Azarenka faces World No.3 Maria Sharapova in a match that is expected to have everything. This electrifying match will definitely be a ‘noisy’ affair with both players aiming to lift their second Grand Slam of the year.

Coming off an energy sapping, heart pounding match in the quarter-finals, Azarenka has looked good throughout the tournament and would be looking to maintain her good streak here. A win-loss record of 53-7 along backed up with 5 titles including a Grand Slam at the Australian Open, Azarenka has been one of the most impressive performers in 2012. Her willingness to strive for perfection and not letting the match go out of her hands at any time, Azarenka does not shy away from going for her ground strokes, whatever the situation may be, making her far more dangerous than her fellow competitors. With her World No.1 ranking always under threat, Azarenka would want to cement her spot at the top for a longer time by lifting the US Open.

Her opponent, Sharapova comes into this match after a three set marathon victory over Marion Bartoli in the quarters. She has accumulated a win-loss record of 49-7 this year and looks to be threatening Azarenka for the World No.1 spot. Luck has been on her side as the rain delays in the previous two matches proved to be the turning point in her victories. With 3 titles this year, including the French Open, Sharapova completed her career Grand Slam as she guns for more glory. Though her performances have been shaky in the last 2 matches, Sharapova’s will to survive proves to be her biggest asset and she makes it really tough for her opponents to win the match.

This will be the tenth time the two are playing and it is Azarenka who holds the lead by the tiniest of margins at 5-4, showing how evenly matched the two are. In 2012, the two have faced thrice with Azarenka leading 2-1, winning both the matches that were played on hard.