Magda Linette pulled off a remarkable upset, defeating the favored Victoria Azarenka with a score of 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 in the WTA 1000 tournament in Beijing.
From the outset, the match against Azarenka was fiercely competitive. Linette faced a setback when she was broken at 2-2 in the first set, but she swiftly responded in the following game. Magda’s exceptional service and her ability to seize Azarenka’s vulnerable moments were key factors. However, towards the end of the set, Azarenka exploited a chink in Linette’s service game at 5-5, ultimately securing the set.
In the second set, Linette asserted her dominance right from the start, yielding only one game to Azarenka. Ahe displayed greater effectiveness during rallies, with Azarenka frequently committing errors. This combination resulted in a rapid second-set victory for the Polish player in just 30 minutes.
With her momentum surging, Linette continued her impressive form into the deciding set. Within moments, she led 3-0 with a double break. Although Azarenka showed signs of improvement by breaking Linette’s serve once, it was only a fleeting resurgence. Magda extinguished her opponent’s enthusiasm with some excellent exchanges and once again seized control. The Belarusian player, unable to mount a comeback, ultimately succumbed to a 6-2 defeat in the final set.
In the next round, she faces the winner of the Jennifer Brady vs. Peyton Stearns match.
🇵🇱 WIELKI TRIUMF MAGDY LINETTE! Polka pokonała Victorię Azarenkę 5:7, 6:1, 6:2 i awansowała do drugiej rundy WTA 1000 w Pekinie. Świetna gra w drugim i trzecim secie. W kolejnej rundzie Magda zagra z Jennifer Brady lub Peyton Stearns.
— Z kortu – informacje tenisowe | Tennis news (@z_kortu) September 30, 2023
🇬🇧 WHAT A WIN FOR MAGDA LINETTE! She beats… pic.twitter.com/KJIjcNrLcY
Magda Linette – Victoria Azarenka 2-1 (5-7, 6-1, 6-2)