The two-time finalist plowed through Mertens to record a 6-1 6-0 victory, securing her semifinal berth after just 73 minutes. Azarenka completely outclassed the 16th seed, in a commanding display of power and precision. The two-time Grand Slam champion hit 21 winners, and won 80% of points at the net.

After securing an early break in the first set, Azarenka was immediately broken back by Mertens. Serving at 1-2, the Belgian never won another game as her Belarusian opponent applied relentless pressure from the baseline. Mertens was particularly ineffective on her second serve, winning a meager 19% of points played. This also led to her committing five double faults, in addition to 23 unforced errors.

Azarenka has been red-hot since the restart of the WTA season, winning the title in Cincinnati and extending her winning streak to 10 straight matches. She next faces a familiar foe in Serena Williams, who battled past Tsvetana Pironkova in her quarterfinal match. Williams and Azarenka previously clashed in the 2012 and 2013 US Open finals, with the American emerging victorious on both occasions.

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