Maria Sharapova didn’t drop a set in seven matches at Melbourne Park, including wins over three of the top four ranked players.

Five quick observations after watching Maria Sharapova win her third Grand Slam title, taking out Ana Ivanovic in the final of the Australian Open.

1. Carpe diem
This was something other than a classic match, a lot of unforced errors and baseline bashing. Both players had their opportunities. The difference is that one player seized them and the other didn’t. Ivanovic was two points from taking the first set. Sharapova girded for battle, came up with some clutch shotmaking and played her way of trouble. In the second set, the players split the first six games. At 3-3, Sharapova put pressure on Ivanovic’s serve. Invanovic blinked. Ten or so minutes later, the match was over.

Sharapova addressed this after the match. “I mean, she’s two points away from winning the first set in a Grand Slam final. You know, if you want it, take it. And she didn’t.” Harsh analysis. But correct.