V I K A
Two-time US Open finalist Victoria Azarenka is through to the 4th round of the US Open after smashing Petra Martic 6-3 6-0.
Azarenka was favoured in this one but nobody expected her to play this well against Martic who looked very sharp in the earlier rounds of the event. Azarenka is a two-time finalist here having last played in the final in 2020 when she lost to Naomi Osaka.
This one opened well for her as she took a 2-0 lead but also gave it right back. She took one later on as well as Martic continued to struggle against the pristine ball-striking ability of Azarenka. 6-3 was the final score in the opening set for Azarenka who had 10 winners to 8 unforced errors.
Her opponent had 6 winners to 10 unforced errors and did not serve well. That's a problem for any player whose serve is a big part of their game. The 2nd set was a thrashing of the most exquisite kind as Azarenka blasted 12 winners en route to the bagel.