Women’s Storylines of the US Open Series

How much damage can Vika do?

Jul 7, 2015; London, United Kingdom; Victoria Azarenka (BLR) reacts during her match against Serena Williams (USA) on day eight of The Championships Wimbledon at the AELTC. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports

2015 has been tough for Vika. Despite consistently playing top 5 tennis, Azarenka is barely hanging on to her spot in the world’s top 20.

The reason? She’s been a victim of just a few too many unfavourable draws this season. Sure, she’s played the role of Caroline Wozniacki’s worst nightmare with aplomb and has constantly defeated all but the best players, but it’s almost a joke for a player of her calibre to meet Serena Williams prematurely at a tournament. Three times.

And at the last two grand slams.

She’s also fallen to Maria Sharapova twice this year in Indian Wells and Rome. And both of their encounters took place before the semifinals of those tournaments.

But even in her losses, Azarenka has impressed. A particular bright spot of her 2015 campaign was her performance in the Wimbledon quarterfinals against Williams. It isn’t too often that Williams has to play A-grade tennis to take a close three-set match. But that’s exactly what Azarenka forced her to do. And even though she lost the match, her performance indicated that she is still capable of defeating anyone, aside from a red-hot Serena Williams.

If given the right draws, the Belarusian will be a strong contender to claim titles in Canada and Cinci.

And she may just represent the best shot at upsetting Williams’ chance at claiming the elusive calendar Grand Slam.

Next: How Will the Seeds Turn Out?