Victoria Azarenka smashes Jessica Pegula for the Australian Open semi-final

It was not the match that fans wanted to see as it was quick and not really entertaining but it saw two-time champion Victoria Azarenka easily move past Jessica Pegula 6-4 6-1 at the Australian Open

Pegula looked unbeatable until this match where she looked very beatable. From the start, Azarenka showed a very focused plan of attacking Pegul and never allowing her to take control. It proved a very good plan as the American really struggled to find a good rhythm despite some solid moments.

She hung in there for the most part in the opening set but her frustration grew with every game. Despite that, Azarenka gave her a chance when he lost her serve in the game where she served for the set. Pegula looked to have swung the momentum but it lasted only briefly as she dropped her serve once more in the next game to lose the set 4-6.

It proved the decisive factor as she lost her serve immediately at the start of the 2nd set and by then she was already out of it. Some angry forehands gave her the break back but it Azarenka was not to be denied. Pegula kept spraying errors ending the match with 31 which was too much.

Azarenka played a solid match overall, a good balance of attacking play and smart defensive counter-punching. She looks poised to make another run to the final. Her previous two ended with trophies.