[Craig.]

Depends on whether or not she gets thrashed by Azarenka this year.

That's why, as great as last year was, it simply wasn't Maria's best tennis.

[Silas]

I must've been watching a different match because i didn't think Maria played so well during her match against Venus... I was so frustrated especially in the second set.

However, i guess it's too early to judge.

[swissmr]

Far too early to say, I think it's easy to forget just how fierce she was in AO 08. But, based on what we've seen so far, she's definitely made some improvements from last year, so 2013 should (barring injury!) be a great year

[aussiesharapova]

Definitely too early to tell. Her 2008 form at AO was outstanding, and we've only seen three rounds so far. Until then, so long (this) thread.

[MaSharp]

I wasn't a tennis fan until 2009, but IMO Maria was in better form in past. I have seen many videos of her and in 2004-2006 she was just better player. Her movement is better today, but other weapons aren't. Her AO 2008 form was more impressive too. She has started this year amazingly, but for now we can't say much. It will be much more clear against Makarova and then against Radwanska...

I really want her to be in an unbelievably form. She's capable to beat Serena, but with completely awesome performance...

[Rerun]

Originally Posted by Mexicola

Maria will never surpass what she did at the 2008 Australian Open and the early part of that season before her shoulder fell apart. That was as close to perfection from her as you'll get. She had the complete game for that brief time period. Dominant serve, powerful accurate groundies, great returns, and she actually wasn't afraid to wander to net.

this! and the serve isnt working very well! I dont expect much from her honestly when the serve is not on fire. Is she will defeat Makarova we all know what happens to her against Aga when the serve is not on!