The heatwave affecting America’s East Coast claimed its first casualty at the US Open on Wednesday when 10th seed Victoria Azarenka departed the tournament in a wheelchair after collapsing on court.The 21-year-old from Belarus, one of many credible outside bets for the women’s title, keeled over when trailing Argentina’s Gisela Dulko 5-1 in their first round match as
temperatures again came close to three figures.
Eighth-seeded wildcard Victoria Azarenka registered a convincing 6-4, 6-1 win over fifth-seeded Maria Sharapova on Sunday afternoon to capture the singles title at the 2010 Bank of the West Classic.Azarenka claimed her fourth career singles title- all on hard court- while becoming the fifth different Bank of the West Classic singles champion in the last five years. With the win, she improves to 4-6 in 10 career finals. Azarenka, who celebrated her 21st birthday yesterday, is projected to rise to No. 12 in the Monday’s new Sony Ericsson WTA Tour singles rankings after winning the title.
A quarter-final appearance at the Australian Open suggested she meant business, but since then only a final appearance in Dubai is worth mentioning.The 20-year-old split with long-time coach Antonio Van Grichen and her game has unravelled several times this year, revealing her fiery temper.
Possessing one of the best two-handed backhands in the game, as well as one of the loudest grunts, the American-based star has the ability to go deep in a major, but a first-round exit in Paris has summed up her current slump.A good draw is imperative to her chances of reaching the second week at Wimbledon and current form suggests Azarenka is a long shot for the title.
