Sharapova is close to perfect

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - Maria Sharapova's acceptance speech was as polished as her game at the Australian Open.

A year after being on the wrong end of one of the most lopsided losses in a Grand Slam final, Sharapova wrapped up her third major title with a 7-5, 6-3 victory over fourth-seeded Ana Ivanovic on Saturday.

Sharapova, a 20-year-old Russian, didn't drop a set in seven matches at Melbourne Park, including wins over three of the top four ranked players.

After Ivanovic sprayed a forehand wide on match point, Sharapova dropped to her knees and appeared to be fighting back tears as she waved and blew kisses to the crowd.

Then she dropped her racquet in her chair before heading to shake hands and exchange high-fives with her father and supporters.

She then told the Rod Laver Arena crowd that she'd received a text message from tennis great Billie Jean King telling her that 'Champions take chances and pressure is a privilege.'

"I took mine," Sharapova said.

"With this big fat check, I'm going to send you a bunch of roses," she said. "Last year I lost on her birthday, and this year I said I'm going to make it up to her, and I did."

Sharapova said she "wasn't even close to winning last year."

"It's incredible. If somebody would've told me during the middle of last year I'd be here I'd have said, 'Forget it.'"

The advice from King, who won 12 Grand Slam singles titles, was a great help, Sharapova said.

"When I was playing junior tennis she'd turn up and talk to my parents and give them advice and talk to me," Sharapova said. "Now she's always someone to give me advice.