Azarenka stuns Serena to win Indian Wells Crown
Mon Mar 21, 2016 03:56:pm Sports
2.8K By sosa hills
Victoria Azarenka has stunned world number one Serena Williams 6-4, 6-4 to capture her second Indian Wells crown and a 19th career singles title.
Azarenka earned her 19th career singles title and second Indian Wells crown as she denied Williams a first title here since 2001.
"Definitely not the game plan," Williams said after the match.
"I think I probably was trying to hit through nerves.
Azarenka, a former world number one now ranked 15th after battling injuries, has been a thorn in the side of Williams over the years and she became the first player to deny Williams a trophy on four occasions.
Along with the prestigious Baccarat trophy, Azarenka receives $1,028,300 in prize money and 1000 WTA ranking points. For her effort, Williams receives a runner-up trophy, $501,815 in prize money, and and 650 ranking points.
Williams was broken at love in the opening game and trailed her rival from then on in their 21st meeting on the WTA Tour. The two-time BNP Paribas Open champion ('99, d. Graf; '01, d. Clijsters) failed to convert her five break chances against the Belarusian Azarenka – in the sixth and eighth games – to concede the first set in 41 minutes.
Azarenka's tremendous defense and powerful baseline arsenal continued to chip away at Williams, who did not get on the scoreboard in the second set until a service hold for 1-4.
Williams roared back in the eighth game to break Azarenka, but it was too late for the 21-time Grand Slam champion. Azarenka swatted away two of Williams' break point opportunities, saving 11 of 12 break points overall. She clinched victory in 88 minutes, after her opponent's groundstroke sailed long.
With the victory Azarenka will also return to the top 10 in the world for the first time since 2014, moving up to number eight.
AFP
Azarenka earned her 19th career singles title and second Indian Wells crown as she denied Williams a first title here since 2001.
"Definitely not the game plan," Williams said after the match.
"I think I probably was trying to hit through nerves.
Azarenka, a former world number one now ranked 15th after battling injuries, has been a thorn in the side of Williams over the years and she became the first player to deny Williams a trophy on four occasions.
Along with the prestigious Baccarat trophy, Azarenka receives $1,028,300 in prize money and 1000 WTA ranking points. For her effort, Williams receives a runner-up trophy, $501,815 in prize money, and and 650 ranking points.
Williams was broken at love in the opening game and trailed her rival from then on in their 21st meeting on the WTA Tour. The two-time BNP Paribas Open champion ('99, d. Graf; '01, d. Clijsters) failed to convert her five break chances against the Belarusian Azarenka – in the sixth and eighth games – to concede the first set in 41 minutes.
Azarenka's tremendous defense and powerful baseline arsenal continued to chip away at Williams, who did not get on the scoreboard in the second set until a service hold for 1-4.
Williams roared back in the eighth game to break Azarenka, but it was too late for the 21-time Grand Slam champion. Azarenka swatted away two of Williams' break point opportunities, saving 11 of 12 break points overall. She clinched victory in 88 minutes, after her opponent's groundstroke sailed long.
With the victory Azarenka will also return to the top 10 in the world for the first time since 2014, moving up to number eight.
AFP
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