AUCKLAND: The ageless Venus Williams launched her 25th year as a professional by outlasting Victoria Azarenka in a three-set thriller on day two of the WTA Auckland Classic Tuesday. In the showdown between the two former world number ones, the 38-year-old Williams overcame Azarenka, nine years her junior, 6-3, 1-6, 6-3. The two hour 10 minute marathon was packed with power and precision, and in the end Azarenka’s nine aces were not enough.
Williams’ superior accuracy in the opening stages gave her the first set, before Azarenka took the second by blasting winners as she moved her opponent from side to side.
In the deciding third set there were two breaks by each player in the first six games before Williams opened a gap to go 5-3 up when Azarenka was wide with a cross-court forehand. The American then served for the match.
Defending champion Julia Goerges coasted through her first match with a 6-0, 6-4 win over Sweden’s Johanna Larsson, while fifth seed Barbora Strycova was forced into a three-set battle to survive Taylor Townsend. Strycova raced to a 5-1 lead over Townsend before the American lifted her game to force the match to a deciding set in which the Czech prevailed, to win 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3.
Representational image. — Facebook/ISSF.ShootingKARACHI: Pakistan’s six shooters will participate in the ISSF...
Pakistan's Asim Khan and Noor Zaman have qualified for the quarter-finals of West Of Ireland Open 2024. —...
The Pakistan Sports Board building. — APP/FileLAHORE: After Sports Board Punjab refused to give Punjab Stadium for...
Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant. — AFP FileNEW DELHI: Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant produced a...
India's captain Rohit Sharma speaks during a press conference at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy...
Former Asian champion Saadi Abbas. — Facebook/pakkarateinLAHORE: Dogged by injuries and offshore settlement...