Tennis: Azarenka, Goerges in Linz final

World number one Victoria Azarenka defeated Irina-Camelia Begu of Romania in straight sets in the semi-final of the Generali Ladies tournament in Linz yesterday, according to en.rian.ru. Top seed Azarenka smashed an ace and overcame five double faults to beat Begu 6-2, 6-1. Earlier in the day, fifth seed Julia Goerges won her way into the final round as she beat Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium. The German dropped her first set at the tournament and hit one double fault to Flipkens’ six in a 1-6, 6-2, 6-3 victory.  ”Obviously I am the underdog, she is the world number one,” said Goerges of today’s showdown. “I will try to play my own game, focus on myself and show her how dangerous my game can be.” Azarenka has faced Goerges four times and won the last three encounters in straight sets after retiring with a shoulder injury in their first meeting in Stuttgart in April 2011.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 14^th, 2012.