Azarenka Scores Three-Set Win Over Sharapova to Advance to U.S. Open Finals
World number one-ranked Victoria Azarenka of Belarus defeated Russia’s Maria Sharapova 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 on Friday afternoon to reach the women’s singles finals in two hours and 42 minutes. Azarenka, a Bronze Medal winner at this year’s London Olympic Games, came back from a set and a break down to defeat the Olympic Silver Medalist Sharapova to reach her first ever U.S. Open final.
“Maria came out firing and placed the ball well,” said Azarenka. “I was just trying to find my rhythm and just fight. I tried to give whatever it takes. Give it all. That worked for me to pull it out.”
Azarenka awaits the winner of Friday’s match between the fourth-seeded Serena Williams and the 10th-seeded Sarah Errani for her Saturday finals opponent. Sharapova was 12-0 in three-setters to date in 2012, and had won 78 consecutive matches in which she took the opening set until today.
"I was just not trying to focus on the score,” Azarenka said. "Trying to give whatever it takes.”
Photo credit: Kenneth B. Goldberg
Maria Sharapova congratulates Victoria Azarenka after Azarenka advanced to the 2012 U.S. Open Finals
Maria Sharapova’s run at the 2012 U.S. Open came to an end Friday afternoon, falling at the hands of top-seeded Victoria Azarenka, 6-3, 2-6, 4-6
