Mexican Open: Azarenka eases into quarters, Stephens stunned

Victoria Azarenka continued her good form at the Mexican Open, easing past Tatjana Maria in the second round.

Published : Feb 28, 2019 11:09 IST

Belarusian Victoria Azarenka
Belarusian Victoria Azarenka
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Belarusian Victoria Azarenka

Victoria Azarenka moved into the WTA Mexican Open quarterfinals, while top seed Sloane Stephens crashed out in Acapulco on Wednesday.

Two-time Australian Open champion Azarenka eased past Tatjana Maria 6-2, 6-1 in the second round.

The Belarusian former World No. 1 managed to break serve six times in an impressive performance.

READ: Defending champion Bautista Agut and Nishikori bow out in Dubai

Awaiting Azarenka in the last eight is Sofia Kenin, the fifth seed having led Katie Boulter 6-4, 4-1 when the Brit retired.

On the other side of the draw, Stephens departed after a surprise 6-3, 6-3 loss to qualifier Beatriz Haddad Maia.

Stephens, the 2016 champion, holds a 5-4 win-loss record this year in what has been an indifferent start to her 2019.

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Her exit has further opened up the draw, with Haddad Maia to meet Wang Yafan, who led Monica Puig 4-1 when the Puerto Rican retired.

Seeds Donna Vekic and Johanna Konta set up a last-eight clash after straight-sets victories.

Vekic got past qualifier Christina McHale 6-4, 7-5, while Konta cruised to a 6-4, 6-1 win over Varvara Flink.

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The other quarterfinal will be between Zheng Saisai and Bianca Andreescu after their wins over Timea Babos and Mihaela Buzarnescu respectively.

At the Oracle Challenger Series at Indian Wells, second seed Alison Riske and sixth seed Sara Sorribes Tormo were among the players reaching the third round.

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