You would think after 16 straight losses against Serena Williams, Russian Maria Sharapova might start to grow tired of the US superpower.

Far from it, Sharapova insisted after losing Saturday night’s Australian Open final in straight sets.

“It’s an honour playing against her,” Sharapova said on court after a second-set fightback fell flat in the tiebreak.

“You want to play against the best.

“I haven’t beaten her in a really long time, but I love every time I step on court to play against her.”

Sharapova could take heart from the fact her 6-3 7-6 (7-5) defeat was nowhere near as one-sided as the 6-1 6-2 thumping dished out by Williams in the 2007 final at Melbourne Park.

The Russian quickly came to grips with the fact she had been outclassed by an icon of the sport, who had just won an incredible 19th grand slam crown.

“I’ve got to congratulate Serena on creating history and playing some of her best tennis,” Sharapova said.

Sharapova saved two match points in the second round against qualifier Alexandr Panova – and two more before succumbing on Saturday.

It made it easier for the the 27-year-old to take a glass-half-full view of her loss to Williams.

“It’s been a long couple of weeks,” Sharapova said, referencing her “second life” in the tournament.

“Almost down and out in the second round.

“It wasn’t quite enough today. But I’m proud of the effort and my couple of weeks here.”

Williams suggested Sharapova should be.

“She really pushed me tonight,” Williams said.

“She played so well and gave us a great final – not just for you guys but for women’s tennis.”