She did it in Australia, she did it Indian Wells, and Victoria Azarenka has now beaten Maria Sharapova in yet another big final. The world number 1 defeated Sharapova 6-3, 6-1 today to win the China Open in Beijing. This the first title Azarenka has won since she lifted the tophy in Indian Wells over six months ago, and the confidence boost is sure to put her in a good position for competing at the WTA Championships in Istanbul.
"...I'm not really looking for them, but I'm looking to provoke them..." Azarenka said of Sharapova's errors. Sharapova made 39 unforced errors and hit 18 winners.
Azarenka, who beat Sharapova in the 2012 U.S. Open semifinals, is now 6-4 against the Russian.
In Beijing doubles competition, Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina won their first title as a team. Makarova and Vesnina defeated Nuria Llagostera Vives and Sania Mirza (Vesnina's former doubles partner) 7-5, 7-5 in the final.
Makarova and Vesnina reached the finals in both Rome and Madrid, but lost both of those to Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci.
Here's the Petra who has gone missing... The focus and footwork are exemplary... both gone now.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uq_fBjZtFvU
Really. And the serves! And even the Radwanska squat shots--all amazing. I miss that.
ReplyDeleteHe is what may have been the match of the year. Jankovic serving better than ever and taking Petra to the limit in three tough sets. JJ up a set and a break in the second.
ReplyDeleteFrom Petra, every shot in the tennis book, from all sorts of odd and usual positions. Her volleying skill on display throughout.
There has been nobody with this skill level.
Her speed last year was terrific. Much slower now.
See the highlights here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-TVRSEhXx4
HERE is...
ReplyDelete