In the world of tennis, consistency is key, and Wiktoria Azarenka’s recent performances have left much to be desired. After lackluster showings in Doha and Dubai, where she exited in the first and second rounds respectively, the Belarusian tennis player sought a turnaround in Indian Wells. However, her journey came to an abrupt end in the second round, courtesy of China’s Qinwen Zheng, who demonstrated her superior form and composure.
A Promising Start, But…
Azarenka kicked off her Indian Wells campaign with a win over American qualifier Clervie Ngounoue, taking the match 6:4, 7:6(7) in nearly two hours. While the victory was welcome, it wasn’t exactly the most convincing, considering her opponent’s ranking of 259 in the ATP standings. This lack of conviction was exposed in the second round, where she faced off against the 9th seeded Zheng.
Zheng’s Dominance
The Chinese tennis star took control of the match, winning the first set 6:3 in just 36 minutes. Azarenka showed some resilience in the second set, levelling the score at 4:4, but Zheng’s experience and poise ultimately paid off. A crucial moment came in the 9th game, where Zheng’s lob landed just inside the baseline, prompting an outburst from Azarenka.
Azarenka’s Fury
The Belarusian player was convinced that the ball had landed outside the line and began protesting, demanding a challenge. However, with the automated Hawk-Eye system in place, the umpire was powerless to intervene. Azarenka’s frustration boiled over, with her shouting, „This is impossible! What’s the point of the video verification? The ball left a clear mark!” The umpire’s attempts to calm her down only inflamed the situation, with Azarenka eventually receiving a warning for her language.
Zheng Seals the Deal
Despite the controversy, Zheng remained focused, capitalizing on Azarenka’s loss of composure to take the game and eventually the set 6:4. The Chinese player’s triumph was a testament to her mental toughness and superior skillset.
Stats and Standings
* Wiktoria Azarenka’s ranking has slipped to 25th in the WTA standings.
* Qinwen Zheng has risen to 14th in the WTA rankings, her highest ever.
* Zheng’s victory over Azarenka marked her 15th win of the season, with a winning percentage of 71.4%.
* Azarenka’s recent form has seen her win just 5 of her last 10 matches.
Conclusion
Qinwen Zheng’s masterclass performance in Indian Wells served as a reminder of the gap between the top players and those struggling to find consistency. While Azarenka’s outburst was understandable, it only highlighted her frustration and desperation to regain her footing. As the tennis world moves on to the next tournament, one thing is certain – Zheng is a force to be reckoned with, and Azarenka needs to regroup and reassess her strategy.
References:
* ATP Tour website for player rankings and records.
* WTA Tour website for player rankings and records.
* Indian Wells Open website for tournament information and results.
* Tennis news outlets for player quotes and match analysis.