What a timely match. #VictoriaAzarenka and #SerenaWilliams go head-to-head on International Women’s Day and with their stories of motherhood and coming back to the professional sport of tennis to achieve even more, they are the perfect representation of how strong women can be.
Overcoming tough challenges and persevering through rough periods of time, both Azarenka and Williams will face off in the second round of the #BNPParibasOpen in a repeat of their 2016 final.
Azarenka comes into Indian Wells with some fond memories in the past having lifted the title here in both 2012 and 2016, defeating Sharapova and Williams respectively. Her feat in 2016 was even more incredible when the Belarusian became one of the few women who managed to accomplish the Sunshine Double, grabbing both Indian Wells and Miami titles consecutively.
2016 also marked the last time Azarenka and Williams competed against each other, which occurred in the final of Indian Wells where the 30-year-old prevailed in straight sets. Williams leads their head-to-head record 18-4, and Azarenka has been regarded as one of the toughest competitors the American had faced previously.
Williams’ affinity with Indian Wells has been an eventful story — with her continued boycott of the event from 2002 to 2014 due to the disrespect from the crowd. However, she is a two-time champion (1999, 2001) and will look to replicate her success once more. She lost in the third round to sister Venus last year with this being her official comeback tournament from maternity leave, although this time she has a decent chance to progress deep into the draw as well.
Azarenka had started the year poorly; amassing a disappointing 5-3 win-loss record through the first two months of 2019. The Belarusian has been unable to find her form, amplified through her early losses in Auckland, Melbourne and St. Petersburg. The former world number one finally managed to reach her maiden WTA quarterfinal of the year — charging into the last eight at the Abierto Mexicano Telcel after storming past second seed Danielle Collins 6-1, 6-2.
Williams went unbeaten in singles at the Hopman Cup and entered the Australian Open as one of the overwhelming title favourites, as per usual. The 23-time Major champion battled past quality opponents like Eugenie Bouchard and Dayana Yastremska with the loss of just nine games to reach the second week. There, she outlasted top-ranked Simona Halep in three thrilling sets although a rolled ankle ultimately caused her to blow out five match points and a 5-1 lead in the deciding set against Karolina Pliskova in the quarterfinals.
Azarenka started her Indian Wells campaign with a terrific 6-2, 6-3 win over compatriot and youngster Vera Lapko in the first round, putting in a wonderful display to ease to a comfortable victory. The Belarusian was full of praise for her opponent today, labelling her as an inspiration to many in the world.
Williams has been troubled by Azarenka on many instances in the past, but the two-time Melbourne champion has rarely shown the form which got her to the top spot ever since her comeback to the sport. It would be difficult not to see Williams claim the win and even though losing the opening set is highly likely, the match is hers to lose.
There are several aspects in Azarenka’s game which is still susceptible to being targetted, particularly the vulnerable second serves and weaker forehand wing. If Williams exploits those, we could be in for a quick match.
Komentarze