Angelique Kerber vs. Victoria Azarenka | 2016 Australian Open Quarterfinal | Highlights HD

Angelique Kerber has become the first German to reach the semifinals at Melbourne Park since 1998 after stunning Victoria Azarenka 6-3 7-5. After going down to Azarenka comfortably in the recent WTA final in Brisbane, the No.7 seed played inspired tennis to finally snap her 6-0 losing streak against the Belarusian. Seemingly out of nowhere, Kerber set the scene early, cracking a couple of blistering forehands past her opponent on the way to a 4-0 lead. Azarenka was clearly a little shell-shocked, offering up two meek double faults, and as Kerber again threatened her on serve, the first set looked all but over. To her credit, Azarenka began a spirited fightback, getting herself on the scoreboard and steadying the match, as both players traded blows from the baseline with neither willing to give up any significant space. When the No.16 seed pulled off a difficult drop volley to earn herself a break back, it appeared she might find a way to claw back into the contest. However, Kerber rose to the occasion, forcing three sets points on the Azarenka serve at 5-3. Despite managing to stave them all off, it wasn’t enough for the two-time Australian Open champion, as a deep return down the line from Kerber caught her off-guard and forced the error. A simple error from Azarenka then gave the German the opening set in 48 minutes. It was a pivotal moment considering Azarenka’s 2016 record thus far – she had not lost more than four games in a single set. Despite closing it out, the pressure was clearly mounting on Kerber. A strong challenge from Azarenka appeared a given – and the body language from Kerber suggested she too knew it was imminent. As if on cue, Azarenka broke in the opening game and maintained the upper hand, rushing out to a 5-2 40-0 lead. With a deciding set almost set in stone, the German lifted, and a huge double fault from Azarenka eventually gave the game to Kerber. With increased aggression, she continued to surge, but Azarenka valiantly held her at bay, again standing at multiple set points. Kerber refused to yield, and after Azarenka went the wrong way off a pop-up netcord, she took advantage of the open court to level at 5-5. Continuing to ride the wave, Kerber drove hard to the line, and after one hour and 45 minutes, the match was ultimately hers. It was a tough day out for Azarenka who, along with Serena Williams, was the hot title favourite this year. She hit an uncharacteristic 33 unforced errors and squandered six of her 13 break point opportunities. The only lefty remaining in draw – the last to win the title was Monica Seles in 1996 – Kerber will now face British semifinal debutant Johanna Konta, a straight sets winner over Chinese qualifier Zhang Shaui, in an attempt to reach her first major final.

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