Victoria Down But NOT OUT

After her sensational 26 matches winning streak at the start of the season, Azarenka looked very much poised to complete a Grand Slam year. She lost some momentum though during the clay court swing when she only managed two runner-up finishes, at Stuttgart (where she lost to Sharapova), respectively at Madrid (where she succumbed to Serena Williams).

Nevertheless, coming into the French Open, the world number 1 was still one of the hottest favourites to clinch the Suzanne Lenglen crown. Azarenka's campaign got off to the worst of starts though, as she struggled to find any rhythm on her groundstrokes wipping the court with an astonishingly high number of unforced errors. Her opponent, the talented Italian veteran, Alberta Brianti, took full advantage of Victoria's poor display, being extremely close to causing the shock of the tournament. After winning a tight first set, Brianti had a point to go 5-0 up in the second. However, the nerves settled in and Azarenka managed to win some easy points which allowed her back into the match. What followed was the complete capitulation of the Italian. She lost six games in a row and although she did challenge Victoria at the start of the decider, there was little doubt as to who the winner of the encounter is going to be. 

Although she played terrible tennis for most of the match, Azarenka still found a way to win stressing once more her increased mental strength. At 0-4 down in the decider, it seemed like her Parisian adventure will end prematurely, but the fierce Belorussian refused to accept her faith. She clawed her way back into the tournament and, as she benefits from a favourable draw, there are big chances of seeing her contest the final act in two weeks time. Of course, provided she recaptures the form that took her to the Australian Open title in January, her maiden Grand Slam trophy.

Alberta Brianti looked set to cause the upset of the tournament holding a 7-6,4-0 advantage over the number 1 ranked Victoria Azarenka.

photos: GETTY IMAGES