Azarenka's impeccable 2012 run continued after the Belorussian easily defeated Russian Maria Sharapova in the Indian Wells final to claim her fourth title of the year, her twelfth overall. Moreover, now at 23-0, she established the best start to a season since Martina Hingis' 37 consecutive wins in the beginning of 1997.
After
barely escaping German rising star Mona Barthel in her opening match, Victoria raised her level, posing easy win over the likes of
Svetlana Kuznetsova, Julia Goerges, Agnieszka Radwanska, respectively
Angelique Kerber, on the way to the grand finale showdown with Sharapova.
In a rematch of the Australian Open final, Victoria was again in full
swing, controlling the battle from the baseline. Her array of precise groundstrokes and remarkable
defensive skills were too much to handle for the Russian, who tasted another nail-biting defeat at the hands of her opponent. After Stanford 2010, Miami 2011 and Melbourne this year, she has now lost all four finals played against Azarenka. As the second ranked player, her inability to cause any damage to Azarenka's game shows just how much separates the latter from the rest of the field.
One win stood out this week, namely the one against Radwanska. The Pole, beaten only by Victoria so far this season, accused the world number 1 of simulating an ankle injury during their last encounter in the semifinals at Doha. The Belorussian kept herself out of any verbal dispute, but chose to settle things straight on court. Pumped up and extremely motivated, she quickly rose to 6-0,5-0 advantage before concealing two games to hand the Pole one of the worst defeats of her career. “I hope I was a good example of women’s tennis”, declared a delighted Azarenka, stressing she's not one you mess around with.
Next up for Victoria is one of her most glorious tournaments, the Premier event in Miami, where she starts as the defending champion. The old squad is back in action though and Kim Clijsters and the Williams sisters threaten to put an end to Victoria's sensation run. In her case, the ultimate test comes not so much in being able to keep winning forever, but in how she regroups after the loss. It will be shocking at first, but if she manages to bounce back quickly, the WTA tour will have finally found the undisputed queen it has been losing for for so long.
photo: GETTY IMAGES
One win stood out this week, namely the one against Radwanska. The Pole, beaten only by Victoria so far this season, accused the world number 1 of simulating an ankle injury during their last encounter in the semifinals at Doha. The Belorussian kept herself out of any verbal dispute, but chose to settle things straight on court. Pumped up and extremely motivated, she quickly rose to 6-0,5-0 advantage before concealing two games to hand the Pole one of the worst defeats of her career. “I hope I was a good example of women’s tennis”, declared a delighted Azarenka, stressing she's not one you mess around with.
Next up for Victoria is one of her most glorious tournaments, the Premier event in Miami, where she starts as the defending champion. The old squad is back in action though and Kim Clijsters and the Williams sisters threaten to put an end to Victoria's sensation run. In her case, the ultimate test comes not so much in being able to keep winning forever, but in how she regroups after the loss. It will be shocking at first, but if she manages to bounce back quickly, the WTA tour will have finally found the undisputed queen it has been losing for for so long.
photo: GETTY IMAGES
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