If there was one word to describe Maria Sharapova’s performance during her impressive 2008 run down under, it would be poise. That’s exactly what the 20 year-old Russian was in defeating fourth seeded Siberian Ana Ivanovic 7-5, 6-3 before a capacity crowd at Rod Laver Arena Saturday afternoon in Melbourne Park- capturing her first Australian Open.

All tournament, the fifth seed had played well under pressure and delivered in big spots due to her much improved big serve and penetrating groundstrokes which had more bite in large part to improved fitness. That was on display against her feisty opponent when an opening set she controlled suddenly was about to get away.

Having played splendidly throughout much of the first set, it was an aggressive Sharapova who jumped out to a 4-3 break lead. Up till that point, she hadn’t lost a point on her serve but it proved to be a problem in the eighth game. Suddenly unable to find the range, she double faulted three times including one bad miss to donate her opponent the break back.   

Finally with some momentum, Ivanovic supported the break with a strong hold for 5-4. When a winner and a Sharapova miscue led to a 0-30 lead in the 10th game, an emotional 20 year-old Serb let out a big roar of approval as she was only two points from the set. That’s when her inexperience showed as she tried a low percentage backhand drop shot which netted on the next crucial point allowing Sharapova off the hook.

From there, the resilient Russian regained her composure taking the next three points for a big hold and then carried fourth the momentum by breaking Ivanovic and then serving out the seesaw 49-minute set to pull within a set of the title.

If she was going to take the second set and win her third career slam, it wasn’t going to be easy as Ivanovic battled through a tough opening service game to hold. With Sharapova giving away little on her serves, the two Eastern European women held for three apiece in the set.

That’s when the more powerful Russian took control breaking Ivanovic in the seventh game. Striking the ball with great authority and moving around the court more flawlessly than in a disappointing 2007 which produced no majors, Sharapova took control of points early and drew 33 unforced errors from Ivanovic who was in her second slam final (first since a straight set defeat to Justine Henin at last year’s French Open).

If there was a noticeable difference, it was that Sharapova was keeping more balls in which explained a very manageable 15 unforced errors- 18 fewer than her opponent.

Following a firm hold in which permitted just one point to the receiver on a backhand return winner down the line, the fifth seeded woman who already had beaten Henin in the quarters and Jelena Jankovic in the semis went for the kill. When an inside out forehand down the line setup three championship points, it was just a matter of time. After Ivanovic fought off the first couple, a deep Sharapova backhand approach forced a miss way wide allowing the Russian to drop to her feet in triumph.

Well deserved for the 20 year-old who during a well thought out victory speech, reminded Tennis Australia that she wasn’t all that close to prevailing over Serena Williams in last year’s final.

She also pointed out how tough last year was for her entire team due to the loss of Jane Joyce- her coach Michael Joyce’s Mom. The well thought out Russian was very soft spoken and dedicated her third slam and first Australian Open title to her. A very nice touch by a champion who really played tremendous tennis through the two weeks in not dropping a set.

“If someone had told me in the middle of last year that I would be standing in the middle of this tennis court holding the big one, I would have said get out of here,” the 2008 champion said while holding up her first Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup.

 “I want to dedicate this win to her because after the loss (Joyce) suffered, I got a whole lot of perspective with my injuries and setbacks. It helped me priorize so many things that were outside of tennis,” Sharapova acknowledged to the Associated Press after winning 24 of 27 points (89 percent) on her first serve while also converting four of nine break chances to only one of two for Ivanovic.

She even used a quote from a text message she received from tennis legend Billie Jean King that “Champions take chances and pressure is a privilege.”

“I took mine,” she added.

Though she lost, Ivanovic was extremely appreciative for all the support she got throughout.

“I’m very emotional and you guys made it a very special experience for me,” she tearfully said.

Ironically, Ivanovic wished her uncle a happy birthday. He wasn’t the only one celebrating as Sharapova’s mother Yelena also was as well back home.

“With this big fat check, I’m going to send you a bunch of roses,” she said while smiling and drawing chuckles from the crowd. “Last year I lost on her birthday and this year I said I’m going to make it up to her, and I did.” 

Men’s final set for Sunday night: The Australian Open men’s final will pit No.3 seeded Serbian Novak Djokovic against 22 year-old unseeded Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga tomorrow night (3:30 AM ET/12:30 PT, ESPN2).

Both men will be seeking their first career slam.

“It means a lot to see some new faces in the finals,” Djokovic pointed out after besting world No.1 Roger Federer a night before impressively in straight sets.

“The dominance of Federer and [Rafael] Nadal was just amazing the last couple of years. So I think it’s great for tennis lovers all around the world to see something new.”

While the road has been easier for the 20 year-old Serbian having not dropped a set, it’s been more challenging for his 22 year-old unseeded opponent.

“I knew that I could play … but my body was not ready,” Tsonga expressed. “Now it is ready, so I do it.”

During his two-week run down under, the powerful Frenchman whose drawn comparisons to Muhammad Ali has eliminated No.9 Andy Murray, No.8 Richard Gasquet, No.14 Mikhail Youzhny and impressively routed No.2 Spaniard Nadal to reach his first ever slam final.

There’s little doubt who the pressure will be on.

“Looking at the rankings, I will be the favorite,” Djokovic admitted of his No.38 ranked opponent. “But it’s the finals, and anything can happen.“