Azarenka powers into Australian Open Semi-Finals

Michelle Payne January 25, 2012 0

Azarenka powers into Australian Open Semi-Finals

MELBOURNE: Victoria Azarenka made big on her good form on Tuesday to come from behind and defeat Agnieszka Radwanska in three sets to qualify into the Australian Open 2012 Semi-Finals stage.

Agnieszka Radwanska won the opening set in a hard-fought competition by 7-6 but Azarenka bounced back strongly to win the next two sets with little competition by 6-0 and 6-2 to make sure she remained in the top-four for the first grand slam tournament of the year.

Azarenka had won the Sydney International title earlier this month and looked in supreme touch ever since losing the opening set on a tiebreak and used her experience and appetite for success to win the odds.

After losing the first set, Azarenka never looked behind and completed the job in hand in just over two hours and now has set up a mouth-watering Semi-Final clash against Kim Clijsters of Belgium who ended world number one Caroline Wozniacki’s yet another grand slam campaign.

Talking to reporters after her impounding victory, Victoria Azarenka said, “I think I am a different player right now, especially mentally-wise. Today I really tried to forget about the first set and start from zero and really fight hard. I think that’s the toughest thing out there. Especially when the weather is tough. Your mind is boiling and it’s difficult to think. Plus you have somebody on the opposite side that is making you a little bit crazy and you have to keep it together.”

On the other hand, Agnieszka Radwanska, when asked about the grunting by Azarenka, said that she was quite used to hearing it from her close friend Azarenka (Vika) during their matches over the years. “The WTA should review their rules on the issue”, she added.

She added, “I’m pretty used to it, especially with Vika. About Maria (Sharapova), what can I say? For sure that is pretty annoying and it’s just too loud.”