Former Champion Azarenka Cruises in Miami Opener

March 26, 2015 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Azarenka_Crop_01_0
Photo credit: Adam Wolfthal

Victoria Azarenka made her way into the second-round of the Miami Open on Wednesday, rolling past Spain’s Silvia Soler-Espinosa 6-1, 6-3. The two-time former champion is playing at the event for the first time since 2012, after capturing titles in 2009 and 2011.

“It’s been unfortunate the last couple of years for me, but I love this tournament,” said the Belarus native. “I’m just looking forward to build my momentum here again and try to play as many matches as possible.”

After cruising in the first set, Azarenka got a game from her Spanish opponent in the second. Soler-Espinosa raced out to a 3-1 lead in the second frame before Azarenka reeled off the next five games to advance.

She will move on and play the 20th-seeded Jelena Jankovic. The Serb enjoyed one of her best tournaments in some time last week in Indian Wells, reaching the finals in Indian Wells before falling to Simona Halep.  Azarenka is 6-4 all-time versus Jankovic.

Americans Sloane Stephens, Alison Riske, Irina Falconi and Christina McHale were opening round winners in Miami on Wednesday as well.

Stephens disposed of Yanina Wickmayer, beating the Belgian 6-1, 6-3.

“I thought I played really well,” said Stephens, a Florida native. “Obviously, playing in South Florida is always great for me. Being home and having the home crowd is really nice.”

Stephens broke Wickmayer five times in the two sets, taking advantage of 35 unforced errors from her opponent to roll into the second-round.

Riske ousted Croat Mirjana Lucic-Baroni 6-4, 6-0, while Falconi edged Puerto Rico’s Monica Puig 7-6(9), 7-6(3).

Americans Lauren Davis and Coco Vandeweghe dropped their opening round contests on Wednesday.


Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
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