LINZ, Austria — World No. 1 Victoria Azarenka made her Linz debut to a crowd of 3000 fans in TipsArena, defeating Aranxta Rus 6-0, 6-2 in just over an hour. (Full photo gallery below)
Of note is Azarenka’s commitment of playing Linz at all this week given her grueling traveling schedule. After winning the China Open on Sunday some speculated that she would pass on the International-level tournament altogether as she didn’t particularly need the points. But all credit to her for not just taking the easy road, but even confirming that she was ready to battle to the end:
“I adjusted and felt comfortable in the conditions today, which was surprising for me. I didn’t expect to play the perfect match today … It is an honor to be here and play. I would like to get the trophy.”
When asked about the stress of traveling the past few days and how she’s coped with it, she smiled and answered: “I have eaten all the chocolate that was given to me on my arrival. That helped!”
Azarenka also stated that she is looking forward to venturing in the city with her team for some good apple strudel and Austrian “Wiener Schnitzel.”
Two time Linz champion Ana Ivanovic also won her opener against Monica Niculescu, 7-5, 6-3, while comfortably winning 81% of her first serves.
A different story for No. 8 seed Sabine Lisicki unfolded as she was demolished by the lone Austrian left in the draw, world No. 159 Patricia Mayr-Achleitner, by a score of 6-1, 6-3. The German continues her slump as she loses her fifth straight tournament within the first two rounds.
Julia Goerges was also on court, defeating her second-round opponent Romina Oprandi, 6-3, 6-3, while Sofia Arvidsson booked her own quarterfinal spot by ousting Lucie Hradecka, 6-4, 7-6(4).
In doubles action, the pairings of Daniela Hantuchova and Petra Martic, Maria Elena Camerinn and Simona Halep, and Karolina and Kristyna Pliskova all advanced to the next round.
Photographer Rick Gleijm was once again capturing all the action from the day’s matches. See his full photo gallery below.
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