Caroline Garcia's solid performance ends Azarenka's run at Guadalajara Open

Friday, 22 September 2023 at 02:01

Caroline Garcia defeated Victoria Azarenka 6-3, 6-4 to advance to the semifinals in Guadalajara.

Belarusian Victoria Azarenka (23rd) arrived in Guadalajara seeking better sensations regarding her tennis after a poor run in the US Open series tournaments, with four losses and only two wins.

However, this week, she won her first three consecutive matches, including a dominant encounter with the 7th seed Veronika Kudermetova (19th).

Caroline Garcia (11th) also didn't come to Mexico in her best form, with a 3-6 record in the hardcourt swing and her recent drop from the top 10. As the third seed, she made her debut in the second round with a victory over Aliaksandra Sasnovich and then secured a spot in the quarterfinals by defeating Hailey Baptiste.

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In the early stages of the match, Azarenka displayed more aggression in her returns, having four break opportunities in the third game, but Garcia saved them and held her service. A few minutes later, it was the former world No. 1 who yielded to her opponent's return.

A break in favor of the Frenchwoman was enough for her to claim the set 6-3. Azarenka and Garcia were evenly matched in service points won, with 63% and 64%, respectively, while in return points, they recorded 36% and 38%, both with a slight advantage for the world No. 11.

In the second set, the 2-time Grand Slam champion once again lost her service, but then, in the return, she pressed to make up for it. However, Garcia saved 6 break points this time and held her service.

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Both players maintained their serves for the rest of the match without too much trouble, as neither of them even faced a break point against. The Frenchwoman secured the match 6-3, 6-4, showing impeccable service.

The crucial points were mainly in favor of Garcia, who saved 11 break points against and managed to defend her service throughout the match. With this win, she will return to the top 10 and face the winner of the match between the Colombian surprise, Emiliana Arango, and the Greek Maria Sakkari.

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Caroline Garcia d. Victoria Azarenka 6-3 6-4 in Guadalajara This year challenged her both physically & emotionally. But she stuck with it, kept pushing, & is finally looking like the Caro we know & love. ✅1st WTA 1000 SF of 2023 ✅Will be back in Top 10 🇫🇷❤️

11:59 PM · Sep 21, 2023

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Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

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