Azarenka Injury Propels Wozniacki Into Indian Wells Semis

March 15, 2013 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Caroline_Wozniacki_01_9
Photo credit: Kenneth B. Goldberg

Caroline Wozniacki advanced to the semifinals of the 2013 BNP Paribas Open over Victoria Azarenka via walkover, after the top-seeded Azarekna was forced to withdraw with a right ankle injury. Azarenka tested her ankle during warm-ups, but decided she was unable to play the 10th-ranked Wozniacki. Azarekna is 17-0 on the year. Wozniacki won the Indian Wells title in 2011.

"I tested it out as much as possible and tried absolutely everything I could do, but I’ve been advised by the doctor and by my own team that it’s just a very, very high risk already," Azarenka said. "I mean, it’s already really painful right now, but it’s at a very high risk to make it much worse. I’m very disappointed. Extremely disappointed. Because I feel I’m playing really well right now. I was so excited to be playing here. I love this tournament. But I have to think a little bit in the long term right now. I’m going to be back in Indian Wells next year to play, and I’ll be just as excited again."

In the semifinals, Wozniacki will play Angelique Kerber, she too advancing via walkover after Sam Stosur withdrew from the event with a calf injury. Kerber leads Wozniacki 3-2 in their head-to-head, having won all three of their meetings in 2012.

"Obviously she’s a very good player and likes to play here," Wozniacki said of the match-up. "Last year she did very well here as well. It’s not going to be an easy match but I’m looking forward to it."

Stosur was in her third WTA quarterfinal of 2013 and was looking to reach her first WTA semifinal of the year. Stosur was is a perfect 2-0 in previous meetings with Kerber.

"It’s better when you play and win the match to go to the semis," Kerber said. "I didn’t know this until I was ready for the match. Sam just told me after I warmed up that she couldn’t play. She was trying to warm up because she was coming after my practice. Of course it’s bad luck."

 


Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
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