By Erik Gudris | Saturday, March 14, 2015

 

Victoria Azarenka and Maria Sharapova each posted straight sets wins to book a third round match against each other in Indian Wells.

Photo Credit: Corleve

Two former World No.1's will face each other in a must-watch third round encounter at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, California.

No. 2 seed Maria Sharapova and No. 32 seed Victoria Azarenka each advanced in their Saturday second round matches to create the marquee match. Both women are former event champions with Azarenka winning in 2012 and Sharapova in 2013.

Indian Wells: Davenport Gives Keys Good On-Court Advice

"We have had some really good matches in the past, even though we haven't played against each other in a while," Sharapova said about the upcoming match. "She's made a few comebacks. She's already been playing really good tennis. So, yeah, I always look forward to our matches, and I'm sure it will be a good one."

Azarenka when asked what makes Sharapova a special opponent to play initially had some fun with the assembled press poised to record her answer.

"Why is she so special? I don't know. You have to ask her parents," Azarenka answered with a laugh.

When pressed Azarenka responded, "Because I believe she's one of the best players. She's been one of the most consistent players on tour, winning Grand Slams. There is not that many players on the tour who has multiple Grand Slams, so I think that makes it pretty special to compete against."

Azarenka, who endured a ongoing foot injury last season that forced her to miss action during 2014 is just happy to be back competing again.

"Tennis is really my passion. You go in life through some tough moments on and off the court, but in the end of the day you just really need to figure out what you want to do in life and what you enjoy. Every day is beautiful. Every day I think is a blessing, so I just try to approach it that way."

"Tennis has given me so much to be grateful for that I cannot be, you know, sad that I'm on the court in front of a great crowd in this the big tournament. I cannot be ungrateful."

Sharapova took on Belgium's Yanina Wickmayer in a match that saw the Russian star easily claim the first set. Wickmayer made it a tougher contest in the second set. Serving down 4-5, Wickmayer saved four match points against her with several sparkling forehand winners. Wickmayer held for 5-all but soon would have to serve to force a tiebreak.

Sharapova proved too tough in the end and on her sixth match point eventually sealed the 6-1, 7-5 win.

Azarenka faced off against another Belgian in Kirsten Flipkens. Though Azarenka claimed the first set, Flipkens took it to the two-time Australian Open champion in the second set.

With several standout winners, Flipkens opened up a 4-2 lead in the second set. But Azarenka's potent backcourt game proved too much in the end. Azarenka soon closed the gap and completed the 6-2, 6-4 win.

Azarenka leads the overall head-to-head seven to six. Yet Sharapova has won the last two meetings.

Earlier in the day, No. 4 seed Caroline Wozniacki advanced over qualifier Ons Jabeur 7-6(3), 6-4. No. 16 seed Madison Keys secured a 6-3, 6-2 win over Klara Koukalova.

No. 9 seed Andrea Petkovic became the highest seed to exit the women's event. She lost to qualifier Lesia Tsurenko 6-3, 4-6, 6-4.