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Victoria Azarenka Indian Wells 2021
Tennis News, WTA Tennis Players

‘I can be really proud of my fight’ – Victoria Azarenka battles into third Indian Wells final


Two-time champion Victoria Azarenka pulled off a stunning comeback to defeat Jelena Ostapenko and progress into her third Indian Wells final.

Azarenka, who won the title in 2014 and 2016, trailed by a set and a break against the 24th seed, before a stirring comeback saw the Belarusian win 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 in an epic tussle.

Following her victory, Azarenka was proud of her ability to fight her way back into the match and credited the level of quality that Ostapenko brought onto court.

“I thought the most important [thing], I would say today, was my fight, that I can be really proud of,” Azarenka said. “Analyzing the game, it was a lot of probably things that I could have maybe done a little bit better.

“Overall she was playing really incredible in the first set, not giving me much to do. I was just trying to find opportunity, actually create opportunity, for me to get back into the match, to take a little bit more control in the match, really fight for every ball.”

Azarenka acknowledged her 2021 season has been difficult at times, but sees improvement after becoming settled with more structure.

“I think my season has been tricky. There were parts where I physically couldn’t necessarily bring that extra level, extra fight, which was very frustrating. Then there were parts where I felt that I was looking for something to add, and I didn’t necessarily know what it was. It was a lot of searching in the season, a lot of kind of stepping into unknown.” Azarenka added.

“I feel like right now I’m a bit more settled with a bit more structure, a little bit more discipline, which makes it not necessarily easier but a bit clearer what I need to do. So it doesn’t take extra energy on that, so I can kind of focus my energy more on the fighting for every ball.”

Azarenka will take on Spanish star Paula Badosa in tonight’s final, as she defeated Ons Jabeur 6-3, 6-3 in the last four.


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.