Azarenka overtakes Pegula and is semi-finalist in Indian Wells

The Belarusian left the American Jessica Pegula on the road in two sets (6-4, 6-2) in her duel for the quarterfinals of the WTA 1000 in Indian Wells. Azarenka will now play the winner of the match between Shelby Rogers and Jelena Ostapenko.

Victoria Azarenka he came with a sweeping pace in this contest, without giving up a single set in his three previous games. The 32-year-old Belarusian was able to eliminate Czech Petra Kvitova on her way, later defeating her compatriot Aliaksandra Sasnovich. For its part, Jessica Pegula He arrived with a similar rhythm, after sweeping away the fourth seed, Elina Svitolina, with a double 6-1.

The history between the two was 1-1, with two duels this season 2021. The first of them was in the first round of the Australian Open, with a victory for Pegula. A few months later, in Berlin, Azarenka tied the head-to-head after a victory in three sets.

Azarenka heading to the semifinals

Pegula took dominance of the game in the beginning, facing a somewhat erratic Vika in the early games. The American quickly broke down to 2-0 up. However, the course of the set would begin to take a reverse course, as Azarenka was finding the sensations with her game. The Belarusian first equalized the score, and then again made a break to go on to lead from the numerical. By maintaining her serve, Victoria took the set 6-4.

Again a changing start for the second set. After an exchange of breaks, everything turned to Azarenka’s side, in front of a Pegula who could no longer find answers to the solidity of her rival. Vika made two more breaks to go 5-1 and almost seal the win. Finally, the former World No.1, would advance to the semis after a resounding 6-2.