Maria Sharapova beat Ana Ivanovic in the final of the Brisbane International on Saturday in a display that bodes well for her chances at the Australian Open. It has been seven years since Sharapova won her only Australian Open title but if she can take her form from Brisbane to Melbourne, a second title does not seem out of the question. Sharapova had to work hard to beat Ivanovic, coming from behind to beat her 6-7(4) 6-3 6-3 but the Serbian is a good measuring stick. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Maria Sharapova wins the Brisbane International Maria Sharapova holds up the Brisbane International final trophy after the women's final against Ana Ivanovic
@highlight
Maria Sharapova closed the gap on Serena Williams with title win
@highlight
The Russian has chance to overhaul Williams in women's rankings during upcoming Australian Open
@highlight
Sharapova said her opponent 'deserved' to win the first set
For Ivanovic, who has begun a resurgence up the world rankings in the past year, the pain of losing was compounded by an abdominal strain which forced her to seek medical attention but is unlikely to disrupt her @placeholder campaign.