Williams benefits from Azarenka woe

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:15

The Belorussian had taken the first set in impressive fashion 6-3 but took a lengthy break when 3-2 down in the second.

The 13th seed then looked increasingly unsteady on her feet in the sixth game and eventually called it a day when 4-2 behind.

After the first six games had gone with serve, Azarenka took control of the opening set in the seventh when she converted the first of two break points after punching a backhand across the court.

A number of errors combined with some excellent shots from her opponent were clearly frustrating Williams and she received a warning for swearing loudly after failing to get a first serve in when under pressure at 5-3 down.

Her mood was not improved when she subsequently hit a return long to lose the first set 6-3.

Williams first service game of the second set saw a lengthy deuce but the second seed hung on before breaking Azarenka in following game and the 19-year-old then retired in tears shortly afterwards.

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