WTA: Azarenka defeats Pliskova in Miami – and returns to Top 100

Triple Miami Open winner Victoria Azarenka has reached the semi-finals of the WTA Premier Mandatory Tournament in Florida after winning two sets against Karolina Pliskova.

CiCi Bellis, Madison Keys, Anastasija Sevastova, Agnieszka Radwanska and now also Karolina Pliskova – Victoria Azarenka continues her triumphal march at the million dollar spectacle in Miami.

In the duel of the former world number one, the Belarusian won 7:5 and 6:3 against the number five in the seed list. Azarenka celebrated her eleventh consecutive victory at Crandon Park after winning the title in 2016 and not competing last year due to her pregnancy break.

“That feels fantastic,” said the current World Rankings-186. After the match, which will be listed among the top 100 again next Monday due to the semi-final entry, “If I look at the development from the first round to here, I have made great progress. I want to continue along this path,” Azarenka added.

In stormy conditions, the 28-year-old quickly took a 3-0 break. However, Pliskova could equalize the 2:5 deficit before the Czech regained her serve with a double error. Azarenka then served out and didn’t let anything burn in the second set either.

In the round of the last four, there will be a showdown with Sloane Stephens. The US open finalist had previously swept over Angelique Kerber, who looked tired after losing 6-1, 6-2.

The double Australian Open winner did not want to hide the fact that Azarenka is far from satisfied with what she had achieved: “The possibility of winning the title here is in my head – that’s why I’m playing” The last triumph before the birth of her son Leo made “Vika” perfect in Miami of all places. The circle would be closed.

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