MINSK, 2 May (BelTA) – Belarus number one Victoria Azarenka, ranked 5th in the world, has progressed into the second round of the Madrid Open, BelTA has learned.
In the opener the Belarusian beat World No.426 Laura Robson of the UK 6-4, 6-2. The match lasted for 84 minutes. Victoria Azarenka will next face Alize Cornet of France (World No.49). The two players have met four times before, with Azarenka leading 4-0 head-to-head.
Victoria Azarenka is making her 7th appearance in Madrid. She reached the final twice but lost both of them: to Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic in 2011 and Serena Williams of the United States in 2012. Last year Victoria Azarenka lost to Serena Williams in the last 32. The American player has withdrawn this time because of flu.
Victoria Azarenka is viewed as the main favorite at the Madrid tournament. This season the Belarusian has won 24 matches with only one defeat. She celebrated victories in Brisbane, Indian Wells and Miami.
Starting the season on the 22nd position, Victoria Azarenka has climbed up to the 5th spot.
The winner of the tournament will be announced on 7 May.
