Fourth seed Angelique Kerber will look to do something on Saturday night she has never done before – beat Victoria Azarenka in a tennis match.
But don’t be fooled. These two have a healthy rivalry, having played some of the most memorable matches in women’s tennis in recent times, including what many called the match of the year in 2015 in the third round of the US Open.
For Azarenka, this is a resurgence of sorts, having last reached a final in Doha last February and most recently hoisting a trophy way back in 2013 – when she won in Cincinnati. She suffered an ankle injury in 2014, three months away from the game that derailed what was a seamless string of successes for the former world No.1.
Kerber, for her part, had a standout 2015 in which she won four of her seven career singles titles.
It was at the US Open that they battled for nearly three hours on Arthur Ashe Stadium on the middle weekend, Azarenka emerging victorious 7-5, 2-6, 6-4.
“I think it’s great for our sport to be able to produce this kind of high-quality match,” Azarenka said after the win.
Just over three years ago they played an equally tantalising match, Azarenka again winning, this one at the WTA Tour Finals, 6-7(13), 7-6(2), 6-4.
Saturday night they will go toe-to-toe from the baseline, though Azarenka is the harder-hitting of the two. Kerber, a left-hander, is known for her defence-to-offence transitions and wicked speed.
The Belarusian has been in sensational form this week, dropping just 13 games and no sets en route to the final. Serena Williams holds the record for fewest games dropped en route to the Brisbane trophy, having lost just 17 in 2013.
“We had so many tough battles, but I never won against her,” Kerber told reporters Friday. “She’s always tough; she is a champion. I’m looking forward (to it). I think I’m feeling good here, so it will be a tough and nice match I think.”
Kerber is aiming for the rare double. She will play the singles final first Saturday night, then team up with friend and countrywoman Andrea Petkovic in the doubles to follow, facing off against Martina Hingis and Sania Mirza.
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