World #1 Victoria Azarenka Wins 2012 BNP Paribas Open, Moves to 23-0 on Season

Written by: Staff on 18th March 2012

World #1 Victoria Azarenka Wins 2012 BNP Paribas Open, Moves to 23-0 on Season |

Indian Wells, CA – The WTA #1 Victoria Azarenka continues her onslaught of the women’s tour with a dominating performance over #2 Maria Sharapova in the finals of the 2012 BNP Paribas Open. This is the fourth singles title “Vika” has won this year which includes the Australian Open. Her 23-0 start on the season ranks her 3rd best all-time behind Martina Hingis (37), Martina Navratilova (37), and Steffi Graf (45). Azarenka accomplishes all this with good movement, a willingness to step into her shots and go for winners, and solid returning.

Sharapova struggled in today’s cold and windy conditions. From there it was a no contest as Azarenka demolished the Sharapova’s serve games, winning 58% of the points when returning. She broke Sharapova six times in the match despite Sharapova’s first serve percentage at 75%.

Azarenka didn’t allow Sharapova’s hard hitting to affect her game plan. She played defense when she needed to, she blocked all the power thrown at her, and forced Sharapova into a consistency battle. Sharapova felt the pressure and continued to make errors, giving Azarenka more breathing room to go for her shots. As Sharapova’s shots got weaker and more tentative, Azarenka would go down the line, forcing Sharapova out of position and exposing her lack of mobility. It became a similar outcome to their Australian Open final earlier this year that Azarenka captured 6-3 6-0. Azarenka will look to continue her fine form next week in Miami at the Sony Ericsson Open.