Victoria Azarenka in the first two matches of the Australian Open easily won 2:0 with Sofia Kenin (203rd WTA) and Nadia Podoroska (191st WTA). She then defeated Madison Keys (13th WTA) and Lin Zhu (87th WTA) 2-1. In turn, Jessica Pegula (3rd WTA) won each of the meetings 2:0, and on her way she met Jaqueline Christian (161st WTA), Aliaksandra Sasnowicz (38th WTA), Marta Kostiuk (61st WTA) and Barbora Krejcikova (23rd WTA) . IN THIS). The good form of Azarenka and Pegula made it possible to believe that the meeting would not lack emotions.
Victoria Azarenka in the Australian Open semi-final. Ninth Grand Slam semi-final
At the very beginning of the meeting, Victoria Azarenka imposed her rival’s style and led 3:0 after one break. Pegula was able to win consecutive passes, but could not take over the opponent’s serve and was already losing 2:5. She temporarily managed to knock the Belarusian out of her rhythm and win two games in a row to lead to a score of 4:5. However, the American squandered the chance for a draw, losing her own serve and the set ended with a score of 6: 4 for Azarenka.
The Belarusian started the next game by winning two games, but Pegula was able to get a break. Then, however, it was Azarenka who won the rival’s serve after a long fight and led 3: 1. The next two games were again won by the Belarusian without any problems and she joined the service with the score 5:1. One match ball was enough for Azarence to win and secure a place in the semi-finals. With the win, the 33-year-old is confident of returning to the top 15 of the WTA rankings. In the event of a possible triumph in the Australian Grand Slam, he will return to the top ten.
“Jessica played fantastic, but I tried to play my best from start to finish. I looked for opportunities and used them well. I’m happy to be back in the semi-finals of the Australian Open and I hope the fans enjoyed it. Last year I played with a lot of fear, but I changed a lot in my attitude and I took a step forward. I’ve worked hard and I’m where I am,” said the winner after the match.
Victoria Azarenka has reached the semifinals of a Grand Slam for the ninth time in her career. She won the Australian Open in 2012 and 2013 and has only gone so far in the tournament since. In 2020, she reached the final of the US Open, where she lost 6-1, 3-6, 3-6 to Naomi Osaka.
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In the next round, Wiktoria Azarenka will face Jelena Rybakina (WTA 25), who defeated Jelena Ostapenko (WTA 17) 6:2, 6:4 in the quarterfinals.
Source: Sport
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