Victoria Azarenka’s return to form sweeps her into the Indian Wells final
Paula Badosa will play Victoria Azarenka in the final of the BNP Paribas Open after contrasting semi-final wins in Indian Wells on Friday.
In a final four devoid of the tournament’s top-tier players, 21st seed Badosa upset 13th seed Ons Jabeur in straight sets, 6-3 6-3.
The 27th-seeded Azarenka had more of a battle against 24th seed Jelena Ostapenko but came from behind to win 3-6 6-3 7-5.
“I thought the most important thing, I would say today, was my fight, that I can be really proud of,” said Azarenka.
“Analyzing the game, it was a lot of probably things that I could have maybe done a little bit better.
“Overall she was playing really incredible in the first set, not giving me much to do. I was just trying to find opportunity, actually create opportunity, for me to get back into the match, to take a little bit more control in the match, really fight for every ball.”
The 23-year-old Badosa overcame Jabeur despite a mixed bag in serving. The Spaniard conceded seven double faults compared with the Tunisian’s two, but won 75% of her first serve points to Jabeur’s 59.5%.
Jabeur held an edge in winning 43% of second serve points to Badosa’s 35%, but could only convert one of 10 break points against the Spaniard’s serve, while Badosa capitalised on four of 15 against the Tunisian.
As the scores would suggest, Azarenka and Ostapenko were line-ball in most areas, winning 62.9% and 63.6% of first serve points and committing eight and six double faults respectively.
But the Belarusian Azarenka gained a slight edge in second service points, winning 48% to the Latvian’s 39%, and crucially converted one extra break point, five to four.
Latest
-
Tennis News
Tennis great Martina Navratilova sympathises with frustrated Andy Murray – ‘It’s exhausting’
“It’s exhausting to have to deal with the press like that for Andy,” says Martina Navratilova.
-
Tennis News
Aryna Sabalenka’s boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov dies as club confirms tragic news
Our thoughts go out to Aryna Sabalenka.
-
WTA Tour
Emma Raducanu suffers huge injury setback on the eve of Miami Open
Raducanu forced to make a tough decision ahead of WTA 1000 tournament in Miami.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz hailed for ‘chasing Rafael Nadal’ by pundits as injury concern highlighted
“It adds to the quality of Alcaraz that he can play at this level at the age of 20.”
-
Tennis News
Miami Open draw: Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner learn their fate as Andy Murray gets enticing opener
Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev and co. have learned their draws for 2024 Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Tim Henman gives his verdict on Novak Djokovic’s ‘revealing’ Miami Open withdrawal
“It probably does lead a little bit more to speculation when you’re talking about your professional and personal life.”
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer compared to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi by legendary coach
“Rafa can do the same thing that Federer does, while Cristiano cannot do what Messi does.”
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova makes Novak Djokovic ‘doubt’ claim as she highlights age factor
“What happens when you get older is the bad days are worse. You have to have it (doubt) no matter what.”
-
WTA Tour
WTA Rankings: Dominant Iga Swiatek practically assured of big feat ahead of Roland Garros
This way for your post-Indian Wells WTA Rankings.
-
Tennis News
Andy Murray makes retirement uncertainty confession as he also opens up about one of his toughest losses
“I would want to be there by right,” says Andy Murray.