Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, February 9, 2021 Belarus’ Victoria Azarenka reacts during her first round match against Jessica Pegula of the U.S. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, February 9, 2021 Belarus’ Victoria Azarenka reacts during her first round match against Jessica Pegula of the U.S. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Former Grand Slam champions Victoria Azarenka and Svetlana Kuznetsova are set to play against each other in the opening round of the French Open 2021. It promises to be an exciting contest as both the veterans have been part of some thrilling matches over the years.
Victoria Azarenka vs Svetlana Kuznetsova: Preview
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The Belarusian player has not begun this season on a great note. Having been troubled by a back injury, Victoria Azarenka has been forced to withdraw midway through events in Doha earlier this year and most recently in Madrid.
On the other hand, Svetlana Kuznetsova began her season in Australia but bowed out early. She played a few tournaments and managed to beat the top 10 players but couldn’t go far into the event after registering those wins.
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ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 17: Victoria Azarenka of Belarus celebrates in her round two match against Sofia Kenin of The United States during day four of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia at Foro Italico on September 17, 2020 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Having played her last tournament in Miami, she has not been part of any clay-court event this season. The lack of match practice could be a problem for the Russian athlete.
In recent years, both Victoria and Svetlana have failed to impress with their performances at the French Open, having barely gone past the first couple of rounds.
Azarenka vs Kuznetsova: Head-to-Head
These two players have faced each other on 10 occasions. The Belarusian star edges past the Russian former World No. 2 by six wins against four losses. They competed against each other at Doha this season and Azarenka won the battle in straight sets.
Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, February 9, 2021 Belarus’ Victoria Azarenka reacts during her first round match against Jessica Pegula of the U.S. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Having faced each other first in 2007, these two players know each other’s style of play very well. Therefore, for fans to witness a high-quality match in the first round itself is quite a bonus.
Azarenka vs Kuznetsova: Prediction
Both players have the experience of competing at the Grand Slams. They have played some close-fought matches and in the next couple of days, we can expect the same.
Most Top 10 Wins on Clay – Active Players
— WTA Insider (@WTA_insider) May 29, 2021
1. Svetlana Kuznetsova: 18
2. Serena Williams: 17
3. Venus Williams: 14
4. Samantha Stosur: 11
5. Victoria Azarenka: 11
Azarenka and Kuznetsova will face off in the first round on Sunday. #RG21 pic.twitter.com/KlT1tF4pgS
In recent years, Svetlana has not managed to go beyond the second round in any of the last 10 Grand Slam events she’s been part of, whereas Victoria was the finalist at the US Open last season. Azarenka even beat Kuznetsova in Doha earlier this year.
Prediction: Victoria Azarenka to win in three sets.
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