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Match details
Fixation: (8) Victoria Azarenka against Garbine Muguruza
Dated: March 5, 2021
Tournament: Qatar Total Open 2021
Round: Semi finals
Location: Doha, qatar
Category: WTA 500
Area: Outdoor hard court
Prize money: $ 565,530
Match timing: Not before 7:30 p.m. local time, 10:00 p.m. IST
Live broadcast: United States – Tennis Channel
Victoria Azarenka vs Garbine Muguruza preview
Despite her back pain, Victoria Azarenka overcame the challenge of Elina Svitolina in the quarterfinals of the 2021 Qatar Open on Thursday. Azarenka will now lock the horns with Spain’s Garbine Muguruza in the last four.
Azarenka’s back problem emerged as she prepared for the quarterfinal encounter against Svitolina. The injury worsened over time and she needed medical assistance from the second game of the game.
After taking a 4-1 lead in the first set, Azarenka again needed a medical time out. But the Belarusian was not deterred by the pain, as she won the opening set 6-2.
In the second set, Azarenka continued to struggle with her movement, but produced some scintillating winners from the baseline to amass a 5-2 lead. She suffered a small mistake as Svitolina gained the upper hand to bring the score to 5-4, but Azarenka managed to serve the game on her second attempt.
It remains to be seen whether Azarenka’s back can heal in time before her semi-final against Garbine Muguruza on Friday.
Muguruza meanwhile recorded an emphatic victory over Maria Sakkari in the quarter-finals on Thursday, winning 6-3, 6-1.
The Spaniard served exceptionally well, dropping just nine points throughout the game. This type of serve form will be especially useful against a returner of Azarenka’s caliber.
Muguruza was equally destructive on her return, breaking Sakkari’s serve almost at will. Of the eight times the Greek has served in the match, Muguruza has beaten up to five times.
Victoria Azarenka vs Garbine Muguruza head to head
The head-to-head between Victoria Azarenka and Garbine Muguruza is currently tied 2-2.
Interestingly, however, two of their dates were decided by walkovers. Muguruza and Azarenka had to concede a game once each due to injury.
Prediction Victoria Azarenka vs Garbine Muguruza
If Victoria Azarenka was physically at her best, she would have entered this game as a little favorite. But in light of his uncertain back condition, Azarenka is likely to have a rough night against a player of Garbine Muguruza’s ability.
Unlike Elina Svitolina, Muguruza will not play the waiting game. Instead, the Spaniard will jump at every half chance that comes her way.
Azarenka did not lose a set throughout the event, but it was Muguruza who was the most dominant in his service plays. Muguruza conceded 10 points less on her serve than the Belarusian, despite a full extra set.
If the Spaniard serves well on Friday, she can probably survive Azarenka.
Prediction: Garbine Muguruza wins in three sets.
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