Lucie Safarova knocks out Victoria Azarenka in Mallorca

WTA Tour

Lucie Safarova moved into the quarter-finals of the Mallorca Open with an easy win over Victoria Azarenka.

The seventh seed beat former world No 1 Azarenka 6-3, 6-4 in one hour and 20 minutes to set up a last-eight encounter against Germany’s Tatjana Maria, who Carina Witthoeft 7-6 (7-1), 6-3.

“I played really well, served well, played aggressively,” Safarova said. “I didn’t give her time to get into a rhythm.

“It’s my first quarterfinal of the year, and I had a break of three months, so I’m happy to be coming back into feeling strong again. I hope I’ll continue this well.”

Third seed Anastasija Sevastova also advanced, but she had a tougher encounter as she required three sets to beat Antonia Lottner.

German qualifier Lottner won the opening set, but then fell away to 1-6, 6-3, 6-1 defeat in one hour and 33 minutes.

Sevastova will face another qualifier in Ajla Tomljanovic as the LAustralian beat Rebecca Peterson, 6-3, 6-3.

Alison Riske set up a match against Sam Stosur after beating Polona Hercog, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3.

Lucie Safarova Victoria Azarenka WTA Tour

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