January 02, (THEWILL) – Former women’s world number one, Victoria Azarenka, moved into the third round of the Brisbane International on Tuesday, defeating Russian Anna Kalinskaya in straight sets 6-1, 7-6 (10/8).
The Belarusian overcame a late wobble in the second set tie-break, failing to convert five prior match points before finally clinching victory. It was a major relief for the 34-year-old to advance without needing a third set result.
In contrast, it was curtains for 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin, with the American succumbing to local wildcard Arina Rodionova 7-5, 7-6 (9/7). Rodionova has enjoyed a stellar 2023 campaign on the ITF Circuit, claiming seven titles and continuing her momentum by ousting a rusty Kenin in one hour and 56 minutes. “I’ve done the hard work,” said Rodionova. “I’ve played in small cities, small tournaments where no one is watching.”
There were additional upsets in the men’s tournament, as 5th-seeded American, Sebastian Korda and 6th-seeded Argentinian, Sebastian Baez, were both eliminated.
Germany’s Yannick Hanfman, surprised Korda with 7-5, 6-4, while Slovakian qualifier Lukas Klein stunned Baez 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. Australian James Duckworth also claimed an impressive scalp, defeating American JJ Wolf 6-3, 6-4.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.