Victoria Azarenka makes history: The queen of WTA 1000 hardcourts

Victoria Azarenka has once again extended her remarkable record in WTA 1000 tournaments, securing her 159th victory in her Indian Wells opener. This achievement makes her the player with the most wins on WTA 1000 hardcourts since the category's introduction in 2009.

The two-time Grand Slam champion has now surpassed Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki, who drops to second place, while Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska completes the podium. These three remain the only players with over 150 WTA 1000 victories.

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Azarenka opened her Indian Wells campaign with a 6-4, 7-6(9-7) victory over American Clervie Ngounoue, advancing to the second round. She will face Chinese world No. 9 Zheng Qinwen, who is on a losing streak with three consecutive defeats since the Australian Open.  'Vichka' has won the tournament twice (2012, 2016) and reached the final again in 2021, where she fell to Paula Badosa.

The former world No. 1 has won 10 WTA 1000 titles in her career, along with five runner-up finishes. On hardcourts alone, her dominance is even more striking: 10 titles and 3 additional finals. Four of those victories came against Serena Williams, while three others were against Maria Sharapova.

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Azarenka was one of the world’s best players between 2011 and 2013, finishing all three years inside the top 3. Her standout season came in 2012, when she claimed the world No. 1 ranking, ahead of Sharapova and Williams.

Other players with a high number of WTA 1000 wins since 2009 include Petra Kvitova and Simona Halep, who are tied in fifth place.

Azarenka also holds the record for the most WTA 1000 hardcourt titles, surpassing Maria Sharapova (9), Serena Williams (8), Caroline Wozniacki (6), Petra Kvitova (6), and Simona Halep (6).

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