Winning matches is a prerequisite to claiming majors and no woman has won with the regularity of Victoria Azarenka this season. Her 38 match wins tied her with Agnieszka Radwanska for the WTA lead through the end of Roland Garros; her four titles in nine tournaments give her the most silverware on the circuit. If Australian Open champion can strike with the conviction she displayed in Melbourne, she has the game to play for the Venus Rosewater Dish. Though she fell to Dominika Cibulkova in the French Open fourth round and lost her No. 1 ranking to Maria Sharapova after Paris, that may work in Azarenka’s favor in alleviating some of the pressure that comes with the top spot in majors. The Belarusian’s explosive two-handed backhand is one of the most lethal shots in tennis, and her ability to crank her forehand crosscourt and finish down the line make her a threat to go deep in the draw again.
Why She’ll Win:
The 2011 Wimbledon semifinalist can take charge of rallies with her imposing returns, can spread the court with her groundstrokes and she should feel a bit less pressure since she’s no longer No. 1.
Why She Won’t:
She has surpassed the third round only twice in six appearances and she can be challenged changing direction on turf. While her serve is improved, it’s not quite the weapon of other top contenders.
Bottom Line:
Azarenka reached two finals on clay—her worst surface—and she can pick opponents apart with her sniper strokes. She has been the best player for much of this season and can challenge for the title.
More Previews
—Victoria Azarenka
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—John Isner
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—Andy Murray
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—Agnieszka Radwanska
—Maria Sharapova
—Serena Williams
—Caroline Wozniacki