Azarenka displays ruthless streak to rout Olaru
Tennis newsVictoria Azarenka put everything she had into beating Iona Raluca Olaru at Wimbledon on Wednesday – even though she probably didnt need to.
The 19-year-old Belarusian won 6-0, 6-0 in the second round for the tournaments second double bagel this year, displaying a ruthless streak she said was essential to challenge for major titles.
We had some close games on her serve but I stayed there and played every point, and it fell well for me, the eighth-seeded Azarenka said. Its very important not to let go for a point, because these kinds of points can change a whole game.
Azarenka took the first set in 24 minutes. The 20-year-old Olaru fought hard on her serve in the second, but the Romanian couldnt find a way to rattle Azarenka, who sealed the match with a forehand down the line.
Azarenkas relentless effort is accompanied by her trademark high-pitched grunt – a habit that has been a hot topic of discussion at tournaments lately. Parts of the crowd were even mimicking her sounds on Wednesday.
It was at the beginning, for one or two points, then they stopped, Azarenka said. People can do what they want. … I cant play without grunting. Ive been doing it since I was 10, because I wasnt very strong so it helped me to accelerate and put more power into the shot.
Azarenka has been tipped by some bookmakers as the biggest favorite behind the Williams sisters, following wins at Brisbane, Memphis and Miami.
Ive been playing a little better every tournament. Each is different with new challenges, new opportunities, new experiences, she said. You cant always keep going uphill, there will always be a few downs, but Im happy with everything Ive achieved so far.
Azarenka next meets another Romanian, Sorana Cirstea, in the third round, and could face second-seeded Serena Williams in the quarterfinals.
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SECOND CHANCE: After losing in the first round at Wimbledon for the eighth straight year on Tuesday, Alex Bogdanovic may have found his calling at last.
Bogdanovic teamed with fellow Briton James Ward in doubles to beat David Martin and Jean-Claude Scherrer in straight sets on Wednesday. Now hes considering making doubles his main pursuit.
I might start playing more doubles and take on a doubles role, and try to play just doubles, Bogdanovic said. And singles, who knows?
If Bogdanovic competes in the singles draw and loses again next year, he will equal the worst ever record at Wimbledon.
In doubles, however, he may just have a shot at success.
Today I had a lot of fun out there, and I just realized I can play good doubles, he said. I think I need to work on a few areas, but Im serving good, returning good. Ive got good hands out there. So I think I could be a really good doubles player. I think I might start that route.
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ROYAL SHADE: With no rain in sight, Wimbledons new retractable roof is doubling as a parasol.
With bright sunshine heating up Centre Court, the translucent roof was closed slightly on Tuesday and Wednesday to provide shade over the Royal Box.
Its good that it gets a little bit of a workout, said Johnny Perkins, a spokesman for the All England Club.
Before the roof was introduced this year, there was a canopy in place to protect the Royal Box during bright afternoons.
The roof has that little design built into it, Perkins said.
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A STEP BACK: Rainer Schuettler wont be making a repeat appearance in the Wimbledon semifinals this year.
Schuettler was one of the biggest surprises of the tournament in 2008 when he reached the last four, but lost 7-6 (3), 6-3, 6-2 to Dudi Sela in the second round on Wednesday.
The 33-year-old Schuettler, who also lost to Andre Agassi in the 2003 Australian Open final, fell to 0-3 against Sela.
Ive played him a few times and Ive never beaten him, so I think he likes my game, Schuettler said.
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