French Open 2013: I left my serve at home, admits Victoria Azarenka
French Open 2013: Victoria Azarenka admits she "left her serve at home" after struggling to a 4-6 6-3 6-1 victory over Alize Cornet
Victoria Azarenka admitted she “left her serve at home” after the third seed struggled to a 4-6 6-3 6-1 victory over home favourite Alize Cornet in the third round at the French Open.
Azarenka was forced to come from behind after a poor first set in which she served six double faults and managed just two points on a lacking second serve.
“I really felt that I left my serve at home,” said Azarenka, who has never got beyond the quarter-finals in Paris.
“But if I can win serving like this, that’s pretty remarkable.”
After losing the first set 6-4, the Belarusian then powered home 6-3, 6-1 with her serve dramatically improving in the second set before tailing off again as she secured the third set with ease.
Despite losing, Cornet impressed at times, and performances like this could see her climb the rankings in coming months.
And the Frenchwoman spoke of her respect for the former world number one.
“She’s a machine, a juggernaut, Azarenka,” said Cornet. “She plays the same from the first to the last point.”
Azarenka will now take on Francesca Schiavone in the last 16, who overcame Marion Bartoli in straight sets this afternoon.
