In-form Azarenka downs Mauresmo
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Saturday 24 January 2009
By Bronwen Largier
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Women’s 13th seed Victoria Azarenka of Belarus has taken out Australian Open 2006 champion Amelie Mauresmo 6-4 6-2 in their third round singles match on Saturday.
Despite a lopsided scoreline, the match was a close contest, with Mauresmo getting the first break of serve. Both players struggled to hold for most of the first set, which featured five breaks of serve in 10 games. The Belarussian eventually prevailed with an extra break, serving for the set at 5-4 and holding.
The second set was much of the same, featuring four breaks of serve in eight games. Azarenka again came out victorious with two extra breaks over the French veteran.
Mauresmo saved two match points before succumbing with her 28th unforced error after an hour and 27 minutes.
The major difference between the players was unforced errors. Azarenka posted just three more winners than her opponent but had nine fewer unforced errors.
Azarenka next plays three-time Australian Open winner Serena Williams in what will be her maiden fourth round appearance at Melbourne Park. Williams defeated Azarenka 6-3 6-4 here in the third round last year in their only previous career meeting.
Quick facts
The 10-game first set was three minutes shorter than the eight-game second set
Mauresmo served five double faults; Azarenka had none
Mauresmo had 28 unforced errors to Azarenka’s 19
The Frenchwoman won just 33 per cent of points on her second serve; Azarenka managed 53 per cent on her own second serve
Mauresmo had the fastest serve of the match at 183km/h
(From the Ao site)
