Victoria Azarenka proved to be superior in pivotal moments as she eliminated Veronika Kudermetova with a score of 6-2, 6-1.
The Belarusian had previously defeated Robin Montgomery and Dayana Yatremska in the early rounds, both in straight sets, showcasing her favoritism as the 10th seed in her first appearance since the US Open.
Kudermetova entered the hardcourt swing with a challenging recent record, as she had a 2-4 win-loss record since Wimbledon. As the 7th seed, she made her debut in the second round and advanced by winning a hard-fought match against Eugenie Bouchard with a score of 6-2, 6-7(4), 6-4.
At the beginning of the set, both players battled to secure the first game on Azarenka's serve. She saved four break points against her, which were the only break points she faced on the set. Holding her service, the Belarusian consistently threatened in her returns and secured a break in the fourth game. With the score at 5-2 in her favor, she achieved another break to claim the set 6-2.
Former world No. 1 was particularly effective in her returns, winning 47% of Kudermetova's first-serve points and an impressive 78% on second-serve points.
After Kudermetova started the second set with a break in her favor, an extended second game unfolded with 11 deuces in 21 minutes. Ultimately, Azarenka seized the game on her fifth break opportunity.
Kudermetova showcased her best moments in that game, but the two-time Grand Slam champion prevailed in the lengthy rallies. The early break against her affected the Russian player's performance, as she struggled in the following games, conceding three consecutive breaks to her opponent.
Azarenka was resolute with her serve and swiftly secured the match with a final score of 6-2, 6-1.
This victory marks Azarenka's 215th win in WTA 1000 tournaments, surpassing Venus Williams (214) and leaving her behind only Serena Williams (8263) and Maria Sharapova (220).
In the quarterfinals, Azarenka will face the third seed, Caroline Garcia (11th), who defeated Aliaksandra Sasnovich (89th) and Haley Baptiste (174th) in previous rounds. The French player has the opportunity to re-enter the top 10 if she advances to the semifinals, having been displaced last week by WTA 500 San Diego champion Barbora Krejcikova.
Victoria Azarenka d. Veronika Kudermetova 6-2 6-1 There are few players on tour who possess the experience & raw ability Vika has on a hard court. The farther she goes in this draw, every shot she hits looks sharper. ✅2nd consecutive QF in Guadalajara Champion things. ❤️
