And though the match score suggests a decline in performance from the Russian later on in the match it was a battle that lasted over 2 hours, with both players fighting until the very end.

Sharapova is now 0-5 in finals played at Crandon Park but she didn’t let that deter her optimism. “It’s obviously been a really nice month. It’s disappointing to end it like this but Serena played a great match, and I’m sure we’ll play a few more times this year” she said. “I was controlling a lot of the points in the first set and the beginning of the second. Then toward the end, I wasn’t there, but that’s what she’s capable of and why she’s No.1 in the world.”

And Serena had just as equally complimentary things to say about her opponent as well: “Maria played really the best I have seen her play, and I think she was moving unbelievable, and she was hitting winners from everywhere. Maria definitely pushed me – she did a really great job today. I look forward to our next matches  – it’s going to be really fun for the fans and for us and for everyone.”

Their matches always draw a crowd and guarantee entertainment. It is the fight in both players that makes them two of the greatest women’s players ever and I personally look forward to seeing them play. And while only Williams was able to come out on top today in Miami, they were both right about one thing: this definitely isn’t the last we’ll see of their matchups this year. So until the next one, congratulations Serena on a brilliant showing in a brilliant city.