Azarenka overcomes Petrova in London, Kirilenko joins her in the QFs

After rain suspended play soon after matches started today, number one seed Victoria Azarenka of Belarus took on the experienced Russian, Nadia Petrova, seeded sixteen, in what turned out to be a real battle which lasted almost two hours. The first set went to a tiebreaker, which Azarenka took 8-6; and in the second set she fought all the way to eventually take it 6-4.  Petrova’s serve stats, including 12 aces, were far superior to those of Azarenka, but the Belarusian won 81 points to Petrova’s 71.

The match between the fast improving Maria Kirilenko of Russia (seeded 14) and the unseeded and sometimes brilliant Julia Goerges of Germany was also decided in two straight sets. The first set in this encounter also went to a tiebreak, which Kirilenko won 7-5, while the second set was much easier for the Russian, who took it 6-3. In typical style, Goerges won the majority of forehand and backhand points, as well as having served eight aces, but her unforced error rate was far higher than that of Kirilenko.

Azarenka will next play Angelique Kerber of Germany who put an end to Venus Williams’ competition, while Kirilenko will take on Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic, who sailed past Flavia Panetta of Italy 6-3 6-0.

Tags 2012 London Olympic Tennis Julia Goerges Maria Kirilenko Nadia Petrova victoria azarenka