Victoria Azarenka, Flavia Pennetta Reach 2013 US Open Semifinals

Victoria Azarenka (click to enlarge)

Any lingering effects from playing an epic match with Ana Ivanovic the previous day were not evident in Victoria Azarenka’s match against Daniela Hantuchova as the #2 seeded Vika advanced to the 2013 US Open semifinals with a 2 and 3 victory. Vika stands one match away from a second straight final appearance. Standing in Vika’s way is Flavia Pennetta. If there were an Italian player one might expect to reach the semis, it was probably Sara Errani. But Flavia already upset her earlier in the tournament. Instead, Flavia took on fellow Italian player Roberta Vinci in the quarters, prevailing 4 and 1. This marks Flavia’s first Major semifinal. Things get much tougher now for Flavia with world #2 Vika. Even if she manages to take out Azarenka, either Li Na or Serena Williams would await in the final. Logically, it seems Pennetta’s Cinderella run will come to end in the semis…but then again, it’s sports. You never know.