MATCH REPORT | 2024 Australian Open: Victoria AZARENKA triumphs over Jelena OSTAPENKO and reaches fourth-round
WTASaturday, 20 January 2024 at 08:00
Victoria
Azarenka maintains her undefeated record against Jelena Ostapenko with a 6-1,
7-5 victory, advancing to the fourth round of the 2024 Australian Open. This
marks the 11th time that the Belarusian has reached the second week in
Melbourne, a tournament she won in 2012 and 2013.
Azarenka
(No. 22) and Ostapenko (No. 10) contested one of the most compelling matches in
the third round of the women's singles, being one of the two matchups that
featured two seeded players (Sabalenka – Tsurenko being the other), with both
players being former Grand Slam champions.
On her way
to the third round, Ostapenko secured two victories against local players,
first against the wild card Kimberly Birrell (No. 116) with a score of 7-6(5),
6-1, and in the second round against Alja Tomljanovic (No. 271) with a score of
6-0, 3-6, 6-4. Former world No. 1 Azarenka went the distance in her two matches
against Camila Giorgi (No. 53) winning 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, and then against the
22-year-old Clara Tauson (No. 96) winning 6-4, 3-6, 6-2.
In the
first set, Azarenka started strongly, securing an early break in the second
game of the match and quickly taking a 3-0 lead on her serve. While Ostapenko
managed to win her first service game, she became erratic afterward, and
Azarenka easily won the set 6-1 in just 26 minutes.
Ostapenko
attempted to control the baseline rallies and move the Belarusian around the
court in the second set. However, Azarenka displayed high precision, recording
9 winners and only 2 unforced errors, compared to Ostapenko's 6 winners and 13
unforced errors.
In the
second set, Azarenka faced uncertainties when Ostapenko took an early lead of
5-2 after securing a break. Azarenka then showcased her resilience and
demonstrated why she is one of the best returners on the tour. She capitalized
on Ostapenko's second serves to find winning shots and won four consecutive
games to lead 6-5.
In the 12th
game, Ostapenko had four break points in her favor, but Azarenka held her
ground and secured the victory 6-1 7-5. Azarenka claimed her 50th win at the
Australian Open and her 160th in a Grand Slam. In the fourth round, she will
face the Ukrainian surprise, Dayana Yastremska (No. 93), a 23-year-old who
shocked the 7th seed Marketa Vondrousova in the first round and followed it
with consecutive victories against Varvara Gracheva (No. 39) and the 27th seed
Emma Navarro.
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.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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