By Erik Gudris | Sunday, January 24, 2016

 

Victoria Azarenka posted yet another straight sets win to create a Australian Open quarterfinal meeting with Angelique Kerber.

Photo Credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve

Two-time Australian Open winner Victoria Azarenka held off a second set response from her fourth round opponent to book her place once again in the quarterfinals.

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In doing so, she booked a rematch of the recent Brisbane final against Germany’s Angelique Kerber.

’We always have such amazing battles,” Azarenka said of Kerber. “She’s a great fighter and she’s an amazing person off the court as well. I just want to make sure we both show you guys some good tennis. I will do my best and I know she will do the same.”

Azarenka faced off against Barbora Strycova of the Czech Republic in their fourth round meeting. Strycova reached this stage by defeating two seeded players including No. 3 seed Garbine Muguruza.

Strycova started blasting winners early in the first set, but eventually Azarenka used her superior backcourt skills to take control. Azarenka never faced a break point on her serve as she went on to take the set 6-2.

The second set proved more of a challenge for the 14th seeded Azarenka. Strycova, in addition to using power, often changed up the pace with slice backhands and multiple drop shots.

That didn’t faze Azarenka though. Level at 3-all, Azarenka chased down yet another drop shot from Strycova and hit an up the line winner. With that, Azarenka broke serve to go ahead 4-3.

Strycova, who was ranked in the top 20 last year, didn’t give up though. During an intense rally in the next game, Strycova chased down a deep Azarenka lob. Getting the ball back in play, Strycova later hit a down the line winner. That created Strycova’s first break point. Azarenka saved that one, but then faced another one soon enough after Strycova ripped a forehand return winner.

On her second break point, Strycova tried yet another drop shot. But Azarenka saw it coming and chased it down to hit another winner. Eventually, Azarenka held serve and found herself a game away at 5-3.

Serving a few games later to close out the match, Azarenka did so in style. She soon celebrated the 6-2, 6-4 win.

Azarenka hit 15 winners and committed only 14 unforced errors in her winning effort.

“She’s such a tough opponent,” Azarenka said of Strycova. “I’m happy I played smart and played tough and that I was able to keep my composure.”

Azarenka then asked on-court interviewer Renee Stubbs if the Denver Broncos had won their NFL playoff game. When told yes, Azarenka raised her arms in victory.

Azarenka will next face No. 7 seed Angelique Kerber who she defeated in the Brisbane final a few weeks ago. Kerber won an all-German fourth round meeting over Annika Beck 6-4, 6-0.