Sunday’s WTA final of the BNP Paribas Open was a strangely one-sided affair, as Victoria Azarenka comfortably defeated Serena Williams 6-4 6-4, celebrating a triumph in Indian Wells for the second time in her career.
The world number one Williams opened the match with a totally off game, easily dropping serve right away, but such things often happen to the tennis legend and her performance tends to pick up steam as matches wear on. However, in this match that opening game turned out to be crucial and Azarenka cruised to a 6-4 win.
Not even in the second set did Williams get her groove back, as Azarenka quickly raced to a 5-1 lead. Williams did wake up in the late stage of the set, winning three straight games to approach her opponent to 5-4 down, but on her second try Azarenka served out the match. Imagine, Williams converted just one of 12 break points she earned!
Holding the runner-up’s trophy, Serena was very emotional during the trophy ceremony, expressing how thankful she was for the support she now has at the tournament she had been forced to boycott for 14 years.
Vika now has most wins over Serena in a final, counting four, followed by Venus Williams’ three, Justine Henin’s two, Maria Sharapova’s two and Elena Dementieva’s two. This big victory will propel Vika to No.8 in the rankings, from her current position No.15.
Like Azarenka’s green winning apparel? It’s the Nike Spring Premier Slam Tank and Nike Summer Ace Short.
