AFP, Brisbane :
Maria Sharapova won the 34th title of her career on Saturday when she outclassed Ana Ivanovic in the thrilling final match of the Brisbane International.
Sharapova won 6-7 (4/7), 6-3, 6-3, clinching victory in two hours and 38 minutes in front of a packed crowd at the steamy Pat Rafter Arena.
It was the 13th year in a row that the Russian has won at least one WTA title.
The match, played in typically hot and humid conditions in the Queensland capital, was the perfect Australian Open preparation for the two top seeds, who met in the Melbourne final in 2008.
“I came into this final expecting a tough match,” Sharapova said.
“The matches we had last year were always very intense and high quality. That’s what you expect in a final atmosphere.
“I love coming back here, starting here,” she added.
“I played four good matches against very different types of opponents-couldn’t have asked for better preparation.”
Sharapova started brilliantly and raced to a 4-1 lead before Ivanovic struck back and levelled the set.
