Azarenka Finds True Grit

This year has been more or less an all Azarenka affair, the Belorussian winning all three tournaments she entered, seldom being troubled or having to recover from extremely dangerous situations. Riding on an impressive 17-0 record in 2012, the world number 1 began her Indian Wells quest in imperious fashion, rising to what seemed an untouchable 6-4,5-1 lead against German riding star, Mona Barthel. If there was a dimension of the game where Azarenka showed vulnerability, it was her ability to close out an encounter. As she did when the duo met at the Australian Open, a bit of stumbling proved costly for Victoria, who saw her advantage being drastically reduced by her tenacious opponent. If in Melbourne she limited the damage by serving out a straight sets victory, this time around she failed to do so, allowing Barthel to level in the second set. With momentum on her side, the 21 years old German sealed the set in the tiebreak before building a 4-1/ 5-3 advantage in the decider. On the brink of defeat, the WTA leader showed just how determined  she is to keep her winning streak alive. Although she struggled with her groundstrokes and serve, Azarenka fought hard to succumb Mona, coming from behind to eventually win the battle 8-6 in the tiebreak.

I think this triumph is so important for Victoria not only because she maintains her impeccable record this season, but mostly because it shows just how must this player has grown mentally. In the past, the loss of the second set would unleash tremendous frustration, which would eventually cost her the match. As she very well stressed, "I could have been already beating myself up somewhere in my house after losing. But I'm here and I got through, and that's a good sign ... to win when you're not playing your best, it's more joyful." 

Having successfully completed her first big test of the year, Victoria looks now even more impressive than before. If she can carry on this attitude and maintain such true grit in the future, it would take something spectacular to stop her in her attempt to add all the big prizes to her resume.

Mona Barthel came really close to becoming the first player to beat Azarenka in 2012, as she led 4-1/ 5-3, but eventually failed to serve out the match twice in the decider.

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