Victoria Azarenka squashed World No. 1 Serena Williams by 2-6, 6-2, 7-6 (8/6) to clinch the Cincinnati WTA title and establish herself as a tough competitor for the US Open.
The second seed from Belarus Azarenka commenced the afternoon with two double faults to lose the opening set within 30 minutes. Actually, she managed to steady herself and sustained to oust the top-seeded Williams for just the third time in 15 matches. Notably, it was her second victory over the American this year, following a triumph in the final at Doha.
Azarenka, who grabbed her 17th career title and first in Cincinnati remarked that what doesn't kill one makes one stronger. She added that it was a hard-hitting match and both of them fought really hard. It was an implausible week for her. She also expressed that she is feeling very good. Certainly, it is a big win. It was a grand match. She is really, really pleased with the way she pulled it out. It was a great clash.
Actually, Azarenka had played intermittently over the past months due to injuries suffered at both Wimbledon and in California this month. In fact, the Belarussian was contending in only her 10th event of an injury-struck season.
The former world number one admitted that she is really excited to be back in playing. She added that the last month was really tough.
Unfortunately, Azarenka lost the second set in which Williams saved eight break points in the sixth game. The third set went to a decider as the duo traded four breaks in five games.
It cannot be ignored that Williams double-faulted for a match point in the tiebreaker, but Azarenka returned it with an error. Further, Azarenka shipped over a winner for a second winning opportunity and followed through for the victory a point later. On the other side, Williams had been struggling for two major hardcourt titles in a row following winning Montreal last weekend.
Williams commented that she played really aggressive in the last two sets, which truly changed the momentum. She is a great player. She added that there is a reason why she is winning Grand Slams and doing so well.
Ultimately, Williams and Azarenka have claimed five of the last seven Grand Slam singles titles dating back to the 2012 Australian Open.
