The Belarussian player fought hard in the very physical match coming very close to winning the match in the 3rd set. Azarenka missed some opportunities in the first set to win that set before storming back to take the 2nd with ease. After trailing 0-2 in the 3rd she fought her way back to make it 5-4 when she served for the match but ultimately failed to close it out. In the end, Badosa went on to win. On the match, Azarenka said:
"The entire match the quality of tennis was super high level. We were both going for our shots, really pushing each other to the max."
And a high-quality match it was. The stands were packed with fans and they enjoyed the almost 3 hours match a lot. There was excitement, there was drama, there was tension and super quality attacking tennis by both players. Both would be deserving winners but in the end, Badosa completed the fairytale run with the trophy.
Azarenka enjoyed her time on the court as well despite the loss saying:
“That's what made it super entertaining, that competitive spirit, really fighting for every ball, not giving in anywhere.
She also noted that it was time to rest up and recover in order to get ready for Australia. Those words seem to indicate that we won't see Vika on the courts anymore which is understandable. There are not many premier events left on the calendar and she did not secure a place in Guadalajara either.
Azarenka: "The entire match the quality of tennis was super high level. We were both going for our shots, really pushing each other to the max. “That's what made it super entertaining, that competitive spirit, really fighting for every ball, not giving in anywhere.” #BNPPO21
