TENNIS in DEPTH.

Victoria Azarenka beat defending champion Kim Clijsters in straight sets to reach the semi-finals at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami. After battling from the brink of defeat to win against Ana Ivanovic in the fourth round, Belgian Clijsters was unable to repeat the comeback feat against Azarenka who beat the world number two 6-3 6-3.

“I think I played a little bit more aggressive [than in the past], played more forward, tried to come in more. That was the biggest difference. And physically I was much more stable today,” Azarenka said afterwards. The win gives Azarenka her best result of the season; she reached the quarter-finals at Indian Wells and Sydney. The No. 8 seeded Azarenka and 2009 champion now plays No. 3 seed Vera Zvonareva for a chance to reach the Miami final for the second time in three years. “I have to play at a high level, because she’s a very consistent player,” assessed Azarenka.

Next for Azarenka, the eighth seed from Belarus who landed the Miami title two years ago, will be a clash with Russian Vera Zvonareva. Third seed Zvonareva proved too strong for ninth seed Agnieszka Radwanska as she overcame her Polish opponent 7-5 6-3. Zvonareva said: “I’m pleased the way I played today, and especially against Agnieszka it’s never easy. ”She keeps the ball in play, so you really have to focus really well. ”I was able to keep my concentration throughout the whole match. There were still ups and downs, but overall I’m really happy. ”Especially in those windy conditions, I had to take my chances and come into the net. I was pretty successful out there, so I’m pleased with that as well.”

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