Thursday, January 03, 2013
Azarenka primed for another tilt at nemesis Williams
By Will Swanton
BRISBANE (Reuters) - Victoria Azarenka goes into her Brisbane International semi-final against Serena Williams on Friday believing that selfishness is the key to ending four years of disappointment against her nemesis.
The world No. 1 from Belarus has a galling 1-11 win-loss record against Williams and is without a victory over the 31-year-old American since 2009.
Azarenka is bidding to snap a nine-match losing streak against the woman widely perceived to be the best player in the world despite being officially rated third.
"Serena is a tough match, there is no question about it," Azarenka said.
"One more chance for us to meet, and it's going to be a great test for the Australian Open.
"I'm not looking for easy matches. The tougher it is the more exciting for me it's going to be, so I'm quite happy with that. I have learned something every time against her. It's a matter of getting it all together and trying to execute it in the right way."
Azarenka was reluctant to discuss Williams's strengths.
"It's obvious she has one of the best serves on tour," Azarenka said.
"But I'm not going to be thinking about how well she serves. My job is to try to put the ball back, you know, then I'll try to play my game.
"I'm there to win the match, not to end somebody's streaks and not to stop somebody from doing something. I'm just focused on myself, and that's how I always am."
The other semi-final pits Anastasia Pavlyuchenko against Lesia Tsurenko after their giant-killing runs continued with victories over fourth-seeded Angelique Kerber and the experienced Daniela Hantuchova.
(Editing by Ed Osmond)
- Chong Wei misses the days top players bring out the best in him
- World No. 1 hopes Daren and Wei Feng will step up their game
- South African to stay on as coach after a meeting with Khairy
- Brutal golf course dooms US Open hopefuls in final round
- Kisona stays focused ahead of Asian Junior Championships
- Queen’s title will boost Wimbledon bid, says Andy Murray
- Malaysia target 30 golds at ASG
- SRAM must take steps to halt men’s team severe lack of depth
- Nabil: Fitness is now my priority as the races are getting longer
- Spurs on brink of another NBA title
- Wimbledon holds no fear for Radwanska any more
- Costa retains Tour of Switzerland crown
- McIlroy loses his cool and takes it out on club
- Hafizh confident of podium finish in Albacete
- Thai ‘Coconut’ ready to roll after rigorous fitness regime
- Kisona stays focused ahead of Asian Junior Championships
- Rachel and Vanessa heading for a collision course in Jordan
- Aussie confident his Day will come at a Major
- Justin Rose out-duels Mickelson to capture US Open title
- Spurs on brink of another NBA title
RSS
