Australian Open 2023: Victoria Azarenka overpowers Jessica Pegula, reaches semi-finals
What's the story
Former world number one Victoria Azarenka is through to the women's singles semi-finals at Australian Open. The two-time Australian Open winner bested third-seeded Jessica Pegula 6-4, 6-1 on Tuesday. Azarenka marks her first Slam semi-final appearance since the 2020 US Open. Up next, she faces reigning Wimbledon champion, Elena Rybakina, who beat Latvian Jeļena Ostapenko 6-2, 6-4. Here's more.
Stats
Key stats from the match
Azarenka didn't fire a single ace to Pegula's three. She conceded a single double fault to her rival's two. The 33-year-old claimed 74 points in the match, including 38 from serves. She had a win percentage of 67 and 55 on her first and second serves, respectively.
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Azarenka's third win over Pegula
Azarenka now has a slender 3-2 lead over Pegula in their WTA meetings. The latter won their previous match-up in the semi-final of 2022 Guadalajara.
Feats
Azarenka attains these feats
As per WTA, Azarenka's win over world number three Pegula is her first Top 5 win at a Grand Slam since beating Maria Sharapova in the 2012 US Open semi-finals. She has reached the AO semi-finals for the first time since 2013 when she successfully defended her title. Overall, it will be her ninth semi-final appearance across Slams.
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47 main draw wins at Australian Open
As per Opta, Azarenka has won 47 main draw matches at AO, equalling Steffi Graf in sixth place for the most women's singles main draw wins in this tournament in the Open Era. Across Slams, the Belarusian now owns a 153-55 record.
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Azarenka to face Rybakina in the semis
Rybakina has a 1-0 lead over Azarenka in their WTA meetings. The former won their previous meet in R32 of the 2022 Indian Wells Masters. Rybakina had won in straight sets (6-3, 6-4).