Friday, July 6, 2012

Azarenka Still Too Frail for Serena

Since making her return to full-time tennis last June, Serena Williams has been many people's tip to dominate the women's tour. However, the American hasn't really lived up to the expectations, falling to Marion Bartoli in the fourth round at Wimbledon, to Sam Stosur in the US Open final, to Russian Ekaterina Makarova in the fourth round of the Australian Open, and most shockingly, to Virginie Razzano in the Roland Garros opener. Even so, she was still one of the hottest favourites for year's Wimbledon title.
Although she struggled early on, the Parisian drama was not to be repeated, as she booked her place in the last eight without any major scare. In true Serena fashion though, she stepped up her game when she needed it most, displaying her finest tennis to dispatch last year's champion, Petra Kvitova, in a convincing manner. Unfortunately for the former world number 1, Victoria Azarenka, she would be the American's next opponent. The Belorussian has really had a great season so far. However, although ignited by a 26 winning streak to start off the year comprising titles at Sydneythe Australian Open, Doha and Indian Wells, Victoria was not able to stop a full-geared Williams. Like in their US Open encounter last year, Serena came out swinging, easily taking the first set. Azarenka fought back in the second and push it into a tiebreak, but Serena's huge serving made the difference once more, helping her seal a 6-3,7-6 victory.
The American will battle Pole Agnieszka Radwanska for the title, and Azarenka will be cheering on heavily, as she needs her to win the title to regain her position atop of the rankings. If Radwanska emerges victorious, she will be the new world number 1 on Monday.


Although she lost, Victoria might find comfort in the fact that she could regain her number 1 spot, provided Williams goes on to win the crown, beating Agnieszka Radwanska in the final.

photos: GETTY IMAGES

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