Maria Sharapova, Eugenie Bouchard set for Aussie clash

MELBOURNE, Australia – Their much-anticipated quarterfinal now a reality, Maria Sharapova and Eugenie Bouchard took on questions about their rivalry, personal music choices and tennis gossip here Sunday.

One can only hope their tennis match is as high quality as their press conferences games.

"I personally don't know Genie very well," said Sharapova, batting away a question in regards to her and Bouchard being alike. "I was compared to (Anna) Kournikova for many years in my career and still occasionally name always comes up in interviews and articles. That's just part of it, part of the game, part of the business. It's understandable."

The Russian, now 27, is known to be the most marketable female sports star in the world, with an estimated worth of $24 million. Bouchard, the 20-year-old Canadian who was 2014's breakout star, has often been compared to Sharapova because she too is tall and blonde.

Sunday the world No. 7 was asked about the support of "Genie's Army," a group of vocal fans that follows Bouchard around the world, which originated here in Australia.

Her favorite of their chants?

"I think (one)… based on Ricky Martin's song Living La Vida Loca, Bouchard said, laughing. "They changed the words and sing about me. I think that one's pretty cool. They are creative to come up with such a random song and talk about forehands and backhands and stuff. It's pretty funny."

The Sharapova-Bouchard match will be a serious affair, the two players known as the sport's most intense competitors. Sharapova won their semifinal at the French Open a year ago and has a 3-0 head-to-head record against Bouchard.

"I think I was close [last year]," Bouchard said of the 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 loss. "It was just a tough battle. But I think I've progressed a lot since then, and, you know, I definitely want to keep playing my game no matter what. Really kind of take it to her."

Sharapova was asked in press about the news of Russian tennis star Maria Kirilenko getting married. Kirilenko formerly dated NHL star Alex Ovechkin.

"I did (know) actually," said Sharapova about the news. "I'm not sure to who. I really don't know."

She then added, laughing: "What happens in Russia stays in Russia?"

Bouchard, having her own bit of fun in press, made playlist requests for her Genie's Army fan-base for her match against Sharapova.

"I really want them to start singing some Taylor Swift," Bouchard said. "Hopefully they will see this and maybe work on it. That would be really cool. I'll be really motivated if they do that. Like if I'm down, start singing Taylor Swift and I'll be motivated."