Azarenka beats Zvonareva in three sets to advance; Williams sisters win in Aussie Open

The last round of 16 match at the Australian Open ended up being the most peculiar, as Victoria Azarenka and Vera Zvonareva - who, in a rarity, had switched coaches in the off-season - played a match of two halves, with Azarenka prevailing in a tough three-setter in the end.

Zvonareva, the ninth seed, came into the match 4-0 against Azarenka, the seventh seed; she was 8-0 in sets. And that record looked like it was going to become 10-0 with Zvonareva grinding out a 64 42 lead over the Belarusian.

Azarenka wasn't done on the match nor on the rivalry yet, however, battling back to win 10 straight games - arguably the biggest swing in momentum so far in the tournament - to snatch the win from the Russian, 46 64 60.

"I was pushing myself to show a better game, to show more fight," Azarenka said of the mid-match turnaround. "I improved in my off-season, especially mentally with my shots. I got tougher and no matter what the moment, I'll still fight, I'll still try to play my best tennis. I had some tough matches in Sydney, so that really helped me get ready for these kinds of matches."

Azarenka and Zvonareva's coaches switched spots in the off-season, Antonio Van Grichen going from Azarenka to Zvonareva and Sam Sumyk going from Zvonareva to Azarenka. The criss-cross was amicable, however.

Zvonareva wore a black ribbon on her visor throughout the tournament, in honor of the victims of the recent earthquakes in Haiti. She spoke about it.

"As soon as I heard about the disaster and turmoil created by the earthquake in Haiti, I was so concerned," Zvonareva said. "There are so many helpless victims there, especially children, which really touched my heart. I just decided to wear the black ribbon on my visor in honor of everyone suffering from what has happened. My thoughts and my prayers are with them."

Next up for Azarenka is Serena Williams, who beat Aussie Sam Stosur with a score of 64 62.

"Serena is a great player. She has been showing unbelievable tennis here. I'm happy to have a chance to play against her," Azarenka said. "I'm not going to make up for anything. Last year happened. I forgot about it already. I moved on. This is a new year. I'm just going to go out there and try my best."

Li Na, who ousted Caroline Wozniacki 64 62, will face Venus Williams, who fought past Francesca Schiavone, 36 62 61, for a semifinal berth.


Monday, January 25, 2010

Singles - Fourth Round
(1) Serena Williams (USA) d. (13) Samantha Stosur (AUS) 64 62
(7) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) d. (9) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) 46 64 60
(16) Li Na (CHN) d. (4) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 64 62
(6) Venus Williams (USA) d. (17) Francesca Schiavone (ITA) 36 62 61