For the first time in 11 tries, Victoria Azarenka tasted victory against Serena Williams Thursday night. In what most thought would be another defeat for the Belorussian, turned into just another surprise occurring at the US Open as the 31-year-old defeated the third seed 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Overcoming a devastating first set, the unseeded superstar surged back to control and win her way to a third final in New York.
The victory denies the former world number one a chance to win an all-time record 24th grand slam. This became the first major final for the 31-year-old in seven years and one where she’ll go against 2018 US Open champion Naomi Osaka.
“Seven is my favorite number,” Azarenka said when asked about her span between championship matches. “It’s meant to be. I’m very grateful for this opportunity and for playing a champion in the semifinal.”
When asked by Mary Jo Fernandez of ESPN about her match Azarenka replied, “I knew it’s never over till I have another chance. I said that before the match and I knew it wasn’t going to be over at 5-3 and today was going to be different.”
“She dug me in a big hole in the first set. I had to climb my way out of there one by one and I had been able to turn it around because it wasn’t easy for sure.”
It won’t get easier as the former world number one and Australian Open champion will vie for her third grand slam championship on Saturday. It would mark their fourth meeting with Azarenka last winning in 2016. They were supposed to play in the Western and Southern Open but an injury from Osaka kept them from having a match that will now take place.
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