After a flying start to the season, Victoria Azarenka has struggled to return to winning ways, failing to win a title since Indian Wells in March. However, her consistency kept her in contention for all the big prizes since, the Belorussian losing to Serena Williams in the semis of both the Olympics and Wimbledon. However, she did grab a bronze medal in London in singles which she topped with a gold in mixed doubles.
Having skipped the North American swing due to a minor injury, Victoria entered the US Open as the dark horse of the competition. Serena Williams seemed unbeatable, French Open champion, Maria Sharapova, was back at her best, while Petra Kvitova and Na Li experienced great rejuvenations during the American hardcourt season. However, as she has done so many times before, Azarenka remained confident, kept her focus on herself and avoided all the off-court debates. She was on a mission and it would take some beating to stop her from reaching her goal.
Her New York campaign got off to the best of starts, as she dropped only 10 games in her first four matches. Things got tighter when she got to the quarterfinals stage though, as first defending champion, Sam Stosur, then Russian Maria Sharapova, both stretched Azarenka to the maximum before succumbing in a tight decider. Playing in her first Flushing Meadows final, Victoria got another chance at squaring off with her nemesis, Serena Williams.
Although she lost the opener 2-6, the Belorussian got her foot in the match in the second set as she started to challenge the American with a superb array of inspired shots from the back of the court, combined with some stunning returns. Quickly, she turned things around, being two points away from victory on Serena's serve at 5-3 in the third. However, a little stumbling under the immense pressure was all it took for the American powerhouse to fight her way back into the final. Azarenka's game crumbled and although her was very much down and out just a few seconds ago, Serena emerged as the 2012 US Open champion, 'stealing' the trophy from right under her opponent's nose.
Although she lost, Azarenka gave it her all. It wasn't enough to beat Serena in this particular occasion, but if she continues to improve and to be the best player she can be, the Belorussian is in for a long stay at the top of the rankings.
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| Azarenka gave it her absolut all in the US Open final against Serena Williams and although she lost (just barely), she proved she has what it takes to challenge the American. |
photos: GETTY IMAGES
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