V. Azarenka b. [16] E. Mertens 6-1 6-0
Former no. 1 Victoria Azarenka is continuing her lossless campaign at Flushing Meadows this summer by adding win after win to her still unblemished record.
After winning the Western&Southern Open less than two weeks ago, putting an end to a draught that had seen her unable to win a match since February 2019, the 2-time Australian Open champion has reached the semifinals of the 2020 US Open by crushing n. 16 seed Elise Mertens from Belgium with the loss of only one game.
The Belgian player was unable to hold serve during the entire match and was put under pressure from the very beginning by Azarenka’s powerful baseline progressions. Mertens could win only 19% on her second serve (4/21) and her defensive game could only sporadically contain the variations by Azarenka. “I thought it was pretty good I tried to apply pressure and make some variations – said the player from Belarus during the post-match on-court interview with Darren Cahill from ESPN – I made the court really big today, which worked really well, and I moved really well tonight”.
“I saw the ball really well tonight, I saw it right in front of me, I saw where it was going, I could read the ‘US Open’ brand, probably because she plays flat”.
During the 73-minute match Azarenka made only 11 unforced errors against 21 winners, and conceded only 4 points on her opponent’s serve.
“I am really enjoying tennis now, and I have never really enjoyed it before – confessed Victoria – I thought it was just a job and I was happy only when I was winning. Now nothing bothers me and I can truly say I can feel the moment and enjoy it”.
During her time in New York, Azarenka is staying in her house where she can spend time in the garden with her son Leo, 3, and where her mother cooks meals in the evening. “I usually love walking in the city, exploring and finding new coffee shops, but this year is not like that. I am sure I’ll get to see New York later”.
In the semifinal she will find Serena Williams, whom she has faced 22 times in her career, winning only on four occasions. “It’s such an amazing opportunity play someone I respect a lot, also as my friend. I know it will be fun for me, I hope it will be fun for the fans”.
