Victoria Azarenka, Li Na Advance At 2012 Mutua Madrid Open, Set Up Quarterfinal Showdown

Victoria Azarenka

World #1 Victoria Azarenka absorbed a strong early attack from former world #1 Ana Ivanovic before coming back to post a 6-4 6-4 win in the third round of the 2012 Mutua Madrid Open. I expected Ana to play well, and she did at the outset. Ivanovic had Azarenka reeling as Ana started the match with a 4-1 lead. But Vika fought back to rip off the next 7 straight games to turn 1-4 down into 6-4 2-0 up. I thought Ana had a real chance to win this match. She just has to get a little bit mentally tougher when the momentum shifts against her.

“I had so many opportunities but I lost that game and then got down on myself. It was frustrating, because I just let it slip. I would feel a little bit better if at least she had earned it, but I kind of let it slip with a few unforced errors. I think that’s where the match probably turned around.” – Ana Ivanovic

Li Na

Awaiting Vika in the quarterfinals will be 2011 Roland Garros champion Li Na. Li posted an impressive victory over the surging Angelique Kerber, 7-5 6-4. Although Li is ranked higher, I would have made Kerber the favorite going in. It’s a very good win for Li. However, she goes from the frying pan into the fire with Vika up next. But it’s also a great test for Azarenka, too. She has not looked unbeatable lately like she did earlier this season. The thing I worry about with Li against Vika is Li Na’s high risk-high reward style is prone to a lot of unforced errors. She can’t give Azarenka free points. If Li can keep the errors to a minimum, it could be a good match.