Victoria Azarenka vs Serena Williams: Analysis and Predictions

Two of the greatest players to ever play the sport come face to face at Indian Wells next in Victoria Azarenka and Serena Williams.

Victoria Azarenka opens her time at Indian Wells this year with a statement win over fellow Belarusian tennis player Vera Lapko. The former world number one defeats Lapko in straight sets, winning 6-2, 6-3. Now, Azarenka sets up a highly anticipated matchup with tennis legend and tenth seeded Serena Williams in the second round.

As the tenth seed in women’s singles, Williams is playing in her first match at Indian Wells. Let’s take a look at their upcoming meeting and the history between these two tennis stars.

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Breaking down their career head to head, Williams has scoreboard. She has dominated Azarenka over the years. Interestingly enough, however, the last time they faced one another was during the Indian Wells final in women’s singles back in 2016. There, Azarenka emerged on top.

Azarenka took home her second title in women’s singles at Indian Wells by defeating Williams in straight sets. She won that match 6-4, 6-4. Previously at Indian Wells, Azarenka had won her first title back in 2012 when she defeated Russian great Maria Sharapova in the finals.

This time around though, the two tennis legends square off much earlier in the tournament action. We have to favor Williams.

Look for her to win in a hard-fought match that could feature at least one tiebreak. Both players have played intermittently in the past two years as each is a new mother. But don’t read too much into their missing time on the courts. Williams is already the odds on favorite to take the title in women’s singles at Indian Wells. A loss to Azarenka would be a major upset to sportsbooks everywhere. Can she complete the upset?

Both Azarenka and Williams have displayed an ability to impress at a high level any given tournament. Williams, in particular, has continued to make history at Grand Slam events. Most recently, the American reached the quarterfinals at the 2019 Australian Open. That is her only tournament this year prior to Indian Wells. Prior to that, she finished runner-up to Naomi Osaka at the 2018 US Open. Williams continues to make history at 37-years-old and despite playing less frequently.

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Victoria Azarenka is coming off of a women’s doubles title in Acapulco. On the women’s singles side of the Mexican Open, she also knocked out second seeded Danielle Collins during her first match and ultimately reached the quarterfinals before falling to Sofia Kenin. Vika is attempting to reestablish her footing in singles action and Indian Wells provides her a chance to make a splash when she takes on Williams next.

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