Indian Wells Semifinals: How The Women Fared?

The two semi-finals of BNP Paribas Open saw an intense performance from both Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka as they beat Agnieszka Radwanska and Karolina Pliskova respectively.

In the first semi-final, Serena Williams was the clear favourite as she came into the match 9-0 ahead of Radwanska. But, what is surprising to note is that Williams has made her first final at the BNP Paribas Open since 2001.

”After the last final I had here, I never pictured myself being back,” she said, ”so it’s an interesting feeling.”

The 15 year drought was because Williams decided to boycott the event after she was ridiculed and jeered at when she replaced her sister at the last moment. Though the tournament was made a mandatory stop from 2009, where Williams played but pulled out last year, it is only this year that she has reached the final after the long exile.

“This year has been great. It feels so great to be supported. It’s been a great comeback here in Indian Wells, so I’m excited about that.”

She came from behind after being 2-4 down in the first set to dismantle the Pole, who will rise to world no. 2 ranking next week, 6-4 7-6(1).

In the final, Williams will face Victoria Azarenka who beat Karolina Pliskova 7-6 (7-1) 1-6 6-2 in the other semi-final. Despite a sluggish start caused by poor service game and an even poorer second set, Azarenka held on till the end and maximised her chances of winning.

“It definitely was a tough battle,” Azarenka said.

“I’m glad I stayed strong and stayed cool and calm and tried to find a way in the third set to take control.”

The women will play each other for the 21 time, with Williams leading at 17 in head-to-head.

“I worked so hard this week to put myself in a position to play the best player in the world,” she said of the final.

“That’s exactly where I want to be. I want to go out there and try to play my best tennis, play high-quality tennis, do what I do in practice and just have fun.”

The win here is equally essential for both the players as it will be the first ever hat-trick for Serena or it will bring back Vika in the top 10 rankings.