Victoria Azarenka Fights Back To Reserve Quarterfinals Berth At Ostrava Open 2020

Two-time Grand Slam champion Victoria Azarenka faced Barbora Krejcikova of the Czech Republic in the Ostrava Open 2020. The round of sixteen match between Azarenka and Barbora was packed with thrill and suspense. Azarenka fought her way into the game and won the match 2-6, 6-2, 6-1.

The match was marred with alleged favoritism as Barbara hailed from the Czech Republic itself. Azarenka was seen disappointed with the judgments going against her favor.

Azarenka to line judges after they made wrong calls against her twice during one point: “I know we are in the Czech Republic but…”

Krejcikova to chair umpire after getting broken in the same game: “It’s not very… sportsmanship. It’s between first and second. It’s disturbing me.”

Barbara Krejcikova snatched the first set

The youngster showed some real intent right from the start of the match. Her exquisite touch was worthy of immense admiration. The scoreline showed one game each when Azarenka served once again. Barbara returned a few shots, after which she proceeded with her feathery drop shots.

Even though Azarenka saved the point on a couple of occasions, she finally had to give up as Barbara’s drop shot dropped close to the net and Azarenka was unable to reach it in time.

Gradually breaking her service, Barbara went 2-1 up and then held her service to take a two-game lead. While Azarenka served to edge her way into the set, a strong, calculated forehand from Barbara stunned Azarenka.

The Belarusian player expected the ball to fall beyond the legal markings. However, it stayed in the perfect position to fetch Barbara the point. However, Azarenka returned the favor as she served with the scores tied 40-40.  The backhand from Vika saw her gain an advantage over Barbara.

Azarenka was able to take another game in her favor. However, it was too late for her to make a comeback. Barbara was up by five games to two and served for the set. A lethal forehand from Barbara Krejcikova sealed the setpoint as Azarenka failed to build a proper resistance.

The second set saw Victoria Azarenka return

The first set completely belonged to Barbara Krejcikova. However, experienced Azarenka pulled up her socks to rule the second set. The second set had a slow start, however, Azarenka continued to grow lethal as the set proceeded.

Azarenka was leading 2- 1 as Barbara served to equalize. She was a point away from making it 2-2. However, Azarenka placed a perfect return finding the empty court to take the game to deuce and finally taking it to lead 3-1.

Barbara lost her service, although her will to stay with the set remained intact. The Czech international was playing some really good shots, specifically the drop shots. Victoria Azarenka was leading the game and was a point away from making it 4-1.

However, a gorgeous drop shot from Barbara saw Azarenka struggle to reach out, and the 24-year-old successfully took the game to deuce. Although she failed to capitalize and Azarenka walked away with the game to take the 4-1 lead.

Krejcicova was able to draw another game in her favor. However, she faced the same fate as Azarenka in the first set. She lost the second set with the same margin as Azarenka has lost the first one.

The final set went in favor of the Belarusian

Both the players took a set each. This meant the verdict was to be served in the final set. While Barbara took the first set, stunning Azarenka, she was not able to withstand Barbara’s aggression and had to surrender during the second set.

Victoria Azarenka was on a roll, having found her confidence back. She came from behind to take a set in her name and set up the deciding set for proceeding into the next round.

The third round saw her completely dominating the game. She served to take the first game to her name. Barbara too successfully defended her service to equalize the set 1-1. However, that was the final game won by Barbara. Azarenka assassinated her opponent, winning five games in a row and taking the final set 6-1.