March 18, 2016 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Photo credit: Calvin Rhoden
Former champion and 13th-seeded Victoria Azarenka bulldozed her way into the BNP Paribas Open semifinals, blitzing Slovakia’s Magdalena Rybarikova 6-0, 6-0 at Indian Wells on Thursday.
Azarenka, who won this title in 2012, completely dismantled Rybarikova from the start. She took advantage of Rybarikova failing to get 59 percent of her first serves in and Azarenka broke six times in 11 chances.
“I think the key today was the start,” said Azarenka. “I really started aggressive, taking opportunities and I felt like I was in full control. I think in the second set she wasn’t feeling really well, but it was important me to stay in the moment and keep dictating. It’s easy to lose focus and pay too much attention to your opponent.”
The Belarusian was just too tough all-match long and needed just one hour and seven minutes to advance.
She will have a tougher test in the semifinals against 18th seed Karolina Pliskova. The Czech knocked out Darya Kasatkina 6-3, 6-2 on Thursday and provides the type of power game that can match Azarenka.
In the other semifinal, top-seed Serena Williams will take on third-seed Agnieszka Radwanska.
