This will be interesting! Victoria Azarenka has a perfect 20-0 win-loss record in 2012 and is the only player who managed to defeat Agnieszka Radwanska this year. Azarenka beat Radwanska three times in the past two months – in Sydney and Doha semifinals and Australian Open quarterfinals. Their last encounter, the one in Doha, caused quite a stir of emotions, as Radwanska accused Azarenka of exaggerating her injury in order to distract her and win the match. Every once in a while there were additional comments by both players, and although they are still on good terms, their relationship is far from perfect, as Radwanska kind deny losing respect for her friend.
To advance to the quarterfinals of Indian Wells, the top-seeded Azarenka thrashed Julia Goerges 6-3 6-1, while the fifth-seeded Radwanska moved on when her opponent, wildcard Jamie Hampton, retired with cramping at 6-3 4-6 3-0. It’s an unfortunate ending for Hampton’s Indian Wells success, which included victories over Polona Hercog, Jelena Jankovic and Jarmila Gajdosova, plus a win of the second set against Radwanska. (photos: Johan Rivera)
I’m looking forward to this one 🙂
A great effort from Hampton this week and especially today. I expected Radwanska to have a walk in the park, but it was far from it. It was a shame she had to retire in the end.
Azarenka is looking so solid at the moment although Goerges completely drifted away from the match at 2-2 after a very promising start.
I will be very surprised if Radwanska can stop Azarenka…
Have to say Aga is not looking sharp at the moment and Vika is. But Radwanska always surprises me – that’s why I like her. I hope its a good quality match with a nice handshake.
Hampton was very impressive, played Radwanska well, by stepping inside the court on short balls, and holding her ground and volleying. I expected a tussle but I was surprised by how flustered and impatient Radwanska became – she was the one making errors by trying to end points quickly. I think Aga got lucky – we will never know how it would have played out if Hampton had not cramped.
Being match ready turned out to be a double edged sword for Hampton. Radwanska was fitter. I think we will see more of Hampton.