New York: Victoria Azarenka thrashed Belgium’s 16th seed Elise Mertens 6-1, 6-0 on Wednesday (September 9) to storm into the US Open semifinals and set up a last-four date with former champion Serena Williams.
Although the 31-year-old Azarenka has a 4-18 career record against Williams, the Belarusian was one of the few players who challenged the American while in her prime phase from 2012 to 2016. It is going to be Azarenka’s first Grand Slam semifinal since 2013 when she achieved her second consecutive final against Williams at Flushing Meadows.
The two-time Australian Open winner Azarenka believes that the only chance to win against the former World No.1 is to fight hard and well execution. There is no other secret to beat the American.
“It is just a good execution and being able to fight for every ball. We had so many great battles, when I won or when I lost. A lot of good matches. I like playing against the best, that’s where you see yourself, your level, the biggest challenge,” a smiling Azarenka said.
