Victoria Azarenka Causes a Massive Upset at Australian Open 2022- Destroys Elina Svitolina in Straight Sets

Day 5 of the Australian Open 2022 has begun with an upset. World Number 17 Elina Svitolina of Ukraine went down to former World Number 1  Viktoria Azarenka of Belarus in straight sets 6-0, 6-2 in an hour and 7 minutes at the Rod Laver Arena.

What went wrong for Elina Svitolina?

In a lop-sided encounter, the 15th seed couldn’t sustain the pressure applied by Azarenka. Svitolina committed as many as 26 unforced errors as against her opponent’s 9. Moreover, she could only get 51% of her first serves right as Azarenka managed 63% of her first serves in.

Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 21, 2022 Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina reacts during her third round match against Belarus’ Victoria Azarenka REUTERS/Morgan Sette

Further, Svitolina failed to convert any of the 4 break points that were on offer. Azarenka meanwhile converted a whooping 5 break points out of 7 which stands at 71%. Former world number broke Svitolina 3 times in the first set to complete the whitewash and win the first set 6-0.

Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 21, 2022 Belarus’ Victoria Azarenka in action during her third round match against Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina REUTERS/Morgan Sette

Further, Svitolina was broken twice in the second set as Azarenka converted 2 out of 2 break points that were up on the offer to eventually win the third-round match 6-0, 6-2. While Svitolina was weak on her own serve, Azarenka managed to take advantage of her opponent’s weak serve and managed to dominate the game.

The #AO2022 Wheelchair Draw kicks off on Sunday. @vika7 is ready to join the @DylanAlcott Farewell Tour cheer squad #AusOpen · #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/DjhQWoeRCq

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2022

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What next for the Ukrainian?

With her eventual exit in the third round, Elina Svitolina would see her WTA rankings dip further. However, she would be looking to come back stronger in the coming tournaments. Can Svitolina overcome her early defeat and make a comeback in the coming tournaments? Do let us know your views in the comments below.

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