Tennis News: In a match that brought together two former world number 1 and Grand Slam champions, Victoria Azarenka defeated Venus Williams in the first round of the Italian Open, Rome 2020 season.
Victoria Azarenka The world number 14 claimed a 7-6, 6-2 win over US veteran Williams. With this victory, he maintained the formidable form he showed during his competition in New York by winning the Cincinnati Open (Western & Southern Open) before becoming runner up at the US Open.
What’s interesting is that in both finals she faced the same opponent, Naomi Osaka, only she won the Cincinnati Open without swinging a racket after Osaka withdrew before the start due to injury.
“Different pitches are definitely challenging but I feel I can adapt very well,” said Azarenka.
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“I know the match will not be easy and know I will not play the perfect game, but this time it is trying to find the right intentions to determine what to do this time. So think it’s working out well. “
“I felt it was a positive match for me in the first game on clay. Venus plays a really impressive game. So It’s good to see him adapt to clay court too, change and try to shoot different shots. So, I’m quite happy.”
The 2013 Italian Open finalists lost to Williams at their last meeting in Lexington last month, a game she played before claiming 11 consecutive wins at the Cincinnati Open before ending in the US Open final.
Entering the match in Rome this week, Williams took a 6-2 lead over the Belarusian national, but the runners-up of the 2020 US Open managed to win the match in straight sets. He produced 22 winners with 18 unforced errors.
“I feel like I started quite well and feel that Venus is trying to play really aggressively and change her pace. He was starting to get a better rhythm and I had to find my game. I think the longer I compete, the better I feel the rhythm of my game, ”explained Azarenka.
In the second round, Azarenka will face another Grand Slam champion, namely the third seed, Sofia Kenin, who won the Australian Open earlier this season. Williams’ compatriot Kenin won their previous encounter in Acapulco last season.
