Veteran Azarenka rolls back the years to reach Australian Open semi-final

Victoria Azarenka showed glimpses of the form that took her to the 2012 and 2013 Australian Open titles with a vintage display to reach the semi-finals on Tuesday.

Azarenka earned a measure of redemption for being dumped out in the opening round by Jessica Pegula in 2021, to dismantle the in-form American third seed 6-4 6-1.

She reached the last four at Melbourne Park for the first time in a decade.

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“We had so many rallies and I wanted to try to stay there, take opportunities because she was going to take everything if I don’t try to win myself.

“And I’m very proud that I executed my game plan really well,” Azarenka said.

The 33-year-old Belarusian said that it was “nerve-wracking” to compete in front of Australian great, Rod Laver, on the main show court named in his honour.

“I feel like you want to show your best tennis in front of the best, and I hope I did that and you guys enjoyed watching me because I really tried my best,” she said.

Temisan Amoye

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