Wuhan: Shot Of The Day (Wednesday)
Agnieszka Radwanska has Wednesday’s shot of the day at the Dongfeng Motor Wuhan Open.
Agnieszka Radwanska has Wednesday’s shot of the day at the Dongfeng Motor Wuhan Open.
Madison Keys makes her 2017 debut and Venus Williams takes on the BNP Paribas Open’s longest tenured player. We break down today’s key second-round matchups at WTATennis.com.
Saturday, Second round
[2] Angelique Kerber (GER # 2) vs. Andrea Petkovic (GER # 79)
Head-to-head: Kerber leads, 7-3
Key Stat: Kerber will begin her 21st week at No.1 on the Monday after Indian Wells.
As a result of Serena Williams’ injury withdrawal, Angelique Kerber will make her return to the top of the WTA rankings following Indian Wells no matter how she fares. But the German is adamant about not letting this good news cause any complacency in her tennis. She’s here to compete, and to hopefully kickstart a season that hasn’t panned out exactly the way she would have liked in the first two months. Kerber is 7-5 on the season, but she has yet to reach a final and she has gone 2-5 against the Top 50. “I was coming here to win matches,” Kerber told reporters on Wednesday. “This is what I love and this is what I was practicing for the last weeks. This is more what I’m focusing on. I will try and really stay with my focus because this is my priority and I will try now not to think about getting No.1 again.”
Kerber is set to square off with compatriot Andrea Petkovic for the 11th time on Saturday. The pair will meet for the first time since 2015, when Kerber won a straight-setter in the Charleston semis.
Pick: Kerber in three
[12] Venus Williams (USA # 13) vs. Jelena Jankovic (SRB # 51)
Head-to-head: Jankovic leads, 7-6
Key Stat: Jankovic is making her record 16th appearance at the BNP Paribas Open.
A pair of legendary thirtysomethings will lock horns for the 14th time on Saturday for a spot in the third round when Venus Williams and Jelena Jankovic continue a rivalry that started over a decade ago in the quarterfinals at the 2005 Bank of the West Classic in Northern California. A lot of time has passed since then, but Williams (36) and Jankovic (32) continue to turn back the clock with brave tennis, big personality and an unquenchable lust for the competition that exists on tour. Williams made her return to Indian Wells for the first time in 15 years last season but was upset in her first match by Japan’s Kurumi Nara. She’d like to extend her stay a little longer this time, but she’ll have her hands full with Jankovic, who took the pair’s last hardcourt meeting at Hong Kong in 2015.
While Williams may still be re-familiarizing herself with the playing conditions in the desert, Jankovic has played some of her best tennis here. She won the title in 2010 and reached the final in 2015.
Pick: Williams in three
[20] CoCo Vandeweghe (USA #22) vs. Lucie Safarova (CZE # 40)
Head-to-head: Safarova leads, 2-1
Key Stat: After finishing 2016 with five consecutive losses, Vandeweghe is 8-3 in 2017.
American CoCo Vandeweghe was a set away from her first career Grand Slam final before she fell to Venus Williams in a thrilling three-setter at the Australian Open semifinals this winter. Now she’s looking to make some noise on her home soil, but the California native will have to get past a very accomplished veteran if she hopes to reach beyond the third round for the first time. Lucie Safarova has been playing very solid tennis this season, and has a final at Budapest and an 11-5 record to show for it. She has taken her last two meetings with Vandeweghe, both on hard courts, but the American is a more confident player than she ever has been before.
Pick: Safarova in three
[9] Madison Keys (USA # 9) vs. Mariana Duque-Mariño (ESP # 112)
Head-to-head: Keys Leads, 1-0
Key Stat: Keys has never been past the third round at Indian Wells.
Madison Keys will make her return to the tour after missing the first two months due to a minor wrist surgery. Keys has also been reunited with former coach Lindsay Davenport, and the pair will move forward hoping to recreate the success that they achieved in 2015, when the American reached her only career Grand Slam semifinal at the age of 19. For her first hurdle she’ll face Spain’s Mariana Duque-Mariño, a 27-year-old qualifier who earned her first ever BNP Paribas Open main draw win on Thursday when she defeated Romania’s Patricia Maria Tig.
The matchup is a good one for Keys, but how quickly can the 22-year-old shake off the rust that surely exists? In her first match since last October Keys will need to be sharp—Duque Mariño has already won two rounds of qualifying in addition to her first-round win and she’ll be hungry for the upset.
Pick: Keys in two
By the Numbers:
36 – The age of Venus Williams, who is the oldest player in this year’s BNP Paribas Open draw.
20 – Amount of weeks that Kim Clijsters and Angelique Kerber have spent at No.1 as of today. Kerber will pass Clijsters when she begins her second stint at the top of the rankings on Monday March 20th.
47 – Number of BNP Paribas Open matches won by Lindsay Davenport, which is most all-time. The American also holds the record for most final appearances with six.
28 – Agnieszka Radwanska leads all players in this year’s draw with 28 wins at Indian Wells. She’ll bid for her 29th against Spain’s Sara Sorribes Tormo today.
INDIAN WELLS, CA, USA – Victoria Azarenka continued her near-perfect start to 2016 by showing vintage form against an out of sorts World No.1 Serena Williams to win the BNP Paribas Open final, 6-4, 6-4, and return to the Top 10.
Watch highlights, interviews and more video from Indian Wells right here on wtatennis.com!
Playing in her first Indian Wells final since 2001, the top seed hadn’t dropped a set through her first five matches but struggled throughout the nearly 90-minute match, converting just one of 10 break point opportunities and striking 33 unforced errors.
Azarenka, by contrast, won 86% of her first serve points, and held off an impressive fightback from the 21-time Grand Slam champion – who won four games in a row with two chances to level the second set from 1-5 down – to win her second Indian Wells title, and first Premier Mandatory event since the 2012 China Open.
A gracious Serena fought back tears during her runner-up speech.
“It was really hard the last moment I had here wasn’t the greatest, so thank you so much,” she said, addressing the crowd.
“Thank you so much for the cheers; I can’t tell you how much it means to me. I can’t even begin to tell you!
“I’m just so happy to be able to stand here again.”
The Belarusian was equally effusive in her praise for Williams, against whom she has now won four of 21 total matches – becoming the only player to defeat the American in more than three championship matches.
“I wanted to first address a personal thank you to Serena. I know how emotional it was for you to be back here and you truly inspired so many people out there to see the type of committment you have to the game. It’s truly inspiring.
“Thank you for that from the bottom of my heart. You are an amazing competitor who changed the game.
“If it wasn’t for you and how hard you work and seeing you play so well, I wouldn’t be as motivated to come back and work so hard. Thank you on behalf of the sport.”
With Sunday’s win, Azarenka will return to the Top 10 for the first time since the summer of 2014, at No.8. Meanwhile, Serena remains atop the WTA rankings heading into the Miami Open, a tournament she has won eight times.
She does it! ?@Vika7 Azarenka captures @BNPParibasOpen crown & is heading back to the Top 10! #WTA https://t.co/bapdsRCuiu
— WTA (@WTA) March 20, 2016
An interview with Svetlana Kuznetsova after her win in the quarterfinals of the Dongfeng Motor Wuhan Open.
2015 champion Simona Halep notched a solid victory to move past Donna Vekic in her Indian Wells opener and return to the third round at the BNP Paribas Open.
INDIAN WELLS, CA, USA – Former No.1 Victoria Azarenka capped her return to the Top 10 with a second BNP Paribas Open title, outlasting top seed and 21-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4.
The two-time Australian Open champion set down with WTA Insider to discuss forming the perfect team, believing in a career without limits, and the poignant reason why she has never been one to waste food.
WTA Insider: You’re the first player to do two Champion’s Corners, because we spoke after Brisbane. Are you still kind of basking in the glow of the win?
Azarenka: I’m very happy. I can’t say that I’m over the moon excited – maybe it didn’t sink in just yet – but I’m just very happy that I’m able to do whatever I want to do on the court. I can move the way I want to move, and see improvements in my game. I’m able to take whatever I’m working on in practice and bring it to the court. This is what gets me more excited, keeps me motivated, and seeing that it works against the best player in the world just brings a little bit extra to work even harder.
WTA Insider: Last year your season ended pretty roughly and you said you wanted to focus on fitness. Big payoff, but what were the toughest moments from that training bloc?
Azarenka: I can’t say there weren’t days that I didn’t want to want to lay down and maybe sleep a little longer. The training bloc was very important, but I think what got me to win here was that I kept working during and after the Australian Open. All this time I was setting little goals to improve whatever it is that I want to. I said in Australia, it’s going to be a process, and I still believe that I’m not there where I want to be. I’m getting there and I’m getting closer and I’m improving, but knowing that I could just be better gets me excited. That’s what helps me wake up in the morning and go after it. There is nothing else I want to do in life right now but give myself the best chance I can to be able to chase my dreams. Set my goals and go after them, and then we’ll see what happens. But I’ll know that I’m the best prepared I’ve ever been – mentally, physically, tennis-wise, tactical-wise – the best prepared. Whatever happens out there is more or less not in my control. But knowing that I’m prepared is the key.
WTA Insider: Do you think you’re more prepared now than in 2012?
Azarenka: I believe I’m a stronger, faster, and a smarter player. I find ways to win when some other things don’t work. I’ve improved my serve a lot. I’m mentally way happier, and I have people with whom I see no limitations. That’s also very important, to surround yourself with energy and with people who believe you have no limits, and not just trying to tell you how to stay the same.
WTA Insider: Talking about your renewed outlook, you seem happier and more zen than in the past. Do you feel like a happier outlook has been more positive for your game?
Azarenka: The difference is trying to find the balance. The off-court stuff, the preparation is something where I feel I’ve completely changed. I’m much more relaxed; I know what’s going to make me feel good. But on the court, I’m going to be a fearless, edgy self. I play with a lot of passion because that’s what makes me the best player. I’ve always said there is a difference between frustration and being angry. I think angry and pumped up is good for you; it gives you emotions. Once you get frustrated, you tip over into that bad side. That’s trouble, but being able to control and navigate your emotions, your body, how you feel, is a craft.
WTA Insider: Can you talk about your emotional evolution on the tennis court? How has time molded you into a better competitor?
Azarenka: I’ve always been a fighter, since a really young age. A fighter is something that I think I was born to be. I never give up at any stage.
WTA Insider: Are there stories your parents might have of you as a kid, where you feel you were born this way?
Azarenka: I think I was born this way, and where I came from, there was no other way. It was always, ‘If you want it, you have to fight for it.’ It’s as simple as being hungry. I had no food sometimes, and that’s something that to this day in my life, it leaves an impact on me. You will never see me not finish one of my meals. How you react to every situation as it’s happening in your life, is up to you. Whatever His plan is, I think is going to happen, but you are in control of how you want to handle it. I was struggling with injuries, mentally, with everything, but I was brave enough to do something about it. That sometimes scares people, because it’s not easy to dig down to all of your emotions and talk about that and be open about it. It’s hard, but once you do it, you realize it’s not that bad, and maybe you should do it more.
Nothing is going to happen if you win or lose; the world is not going to change. It can change for a little bit for your situation, for whatever, but it’s not going to change. Everybody’s going to remember it for a little bit and forget about it after. I learned for me to take care of what I want to do, where I want to go, and that’s it. I’m not trying to please someone who thinks what is right for me. Nobody will know what’s right for me better than I know. I think that, as a young player, it’s important to keep learning and to stay open-minded. But you should also have a strong stance on what you believe in, because that’s something that is in you and you have to apply that. But you have to be open-minded.
WTA Insider: What do you think is that kind of core belief that you think you’ve had to stick to in your career?
Azarenka: I think a difficult thing for women in general is that we get manipulated very easily. It happens a lot on the women’s tour – and it’s just my observation, I’m not going to talk specifically – where coaches try to teach you and put their philosophy on you. But I think a great coach and a great listener is one who is adapting to how you feel, and teaching you through that. That is something that I also had to learn, and what young people have to be aware of. Believe in what you think is right, because your first instinct is always right.
WTA Insider: Do you think that the Vika of five years ago was angrier than the Vika of today?
Azarenka: I felt whatever I didn’t feel was right, was wrong. That would make me frustrated because, ‘I wouldn’t do it that way.’ With time and with experience and a few burned hands, you understand that it’s not your way, it’s how you adapt to situations. If people don’t act in a way that you want them to, you can’t control that. I think that allowed me to show my emotions more, and I don’t believe I was an angry person. I just didn’t know how to react to what were, in my opinion, unfair situations. I think I didn’t understand it before, and thinking it wasn’t fair. The world is unfair, so you have to understand that.
WTA Insider: Your team is fairly unique with what are essentially two head coaches with Sascha and Wim. Can you talk about that set-up and how that’s allowed you to settle into your game?
Azarenka: I have a very strong personality, and I have very strong beliefs of what I think I have to do but, as I said, I’m very open-minded and am willing to listen. What they’ve done great is to listen to how I feel and suggest the things that can make me better. It’s a lot of teamwork; everybody has their own role to do whatever is necessary. Having people around you believe that you have no limits is great because they’re encouraging and pushing you to somewhere where you think, ‘I don’t know if I can get there.’ But you can when they’re really pushing you and believing in you.
They’re also not afraid to say whatever they don’t like; I always want honest in my team, because I can handle whatever comes my way as long as they’re honest. JP, my physio specifically, has been just a soldier; he taught me so much to learn on the court, off the court, the listen, to be present every time. So I’m very grateful for him because he really took me out of my injury, got me healthy, and then everyone started putting their pieces together to help me build a new me.
All photos courtesy of Getty Images.
Simona Halep takes on Madison Keys in the quarterfinals of the Dongfeng Motor Wuhan Open.
INDIAN WELLS, CA, USA – No.21 seed Caroline Garcia recovered from a set down to survive No.11 seed Johanna Konta, 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(1), to reach the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open for the second time in three years.
“Maybe it’s the haircut!” she joked with WTA Insider. “Sometimes small things make a big difference on the court. I tried to forget what happened outside of tennis and just focus on myself, what I could improve. I feel more energized and better on the court; it’s great to have this mentality again.”
.@CaroGarcia with the forehand winner! #BNPPO17 pic.twitter.com/C5SjqAFhmO
— WTA (@WTA) March 12, 2017
Konta enjoyed a bright start to the season with a second WTA title at the Apia International Sydney and a run to the Australian Open quarterfinals, but a nerve issue in her left foot forced her to sit out the Middle East Swing following a successful week at Fed Cup.
“I don’t believe I played a great match today,” Konta said after the match. “She did what she had to do to get through that, and she did a better job of finding a way than I did. I would have liked to have played better, but it just didn’t happen today.
“There were a number of shots that let me down today; quite honestly, I don’t know why, but I’m keen on improving and doing better next time.”
Playing her first WTA event since Melbourne, Konta took the opening set in decisive style against Garcia, who hadn’t won back-to-back matches since January, but the tide began to turn in the middle of the second.
.@CaroGarcia finds an amazing angle at the net! #BNPPO17 pic.twitter.com/FP7qUbCAmt
— WTA (@WTA) March 12, 2017
“The last time I played against her in China, she played unbelievably; it was just unreal,” Garcia said. “I knew I had to play a good match, and that if I got any opportunities, I would have to be ready to take them. That’s what I managed to do in the second set when I broke her; in the tie-break, I was more aggressive and more consistent.”
.@CaroGarcia's ace takes us into a final set tiebreaker! #BNPPO17 pic.twitter.com/nGjtW1yMGO
— WTA (@WTA) March 12, 2017
Garcia earned the only break of that set to level the match, and served out some sticky situations by match’s end to force a tie-break, which she took with ease after a two hour and 11 minute tussle.
“I didn’t do enough with the opportunities that I did get,” Konta said. “Some of the break points, she served well, and others, I wasn’t brave enough. I don’t think I did enough to really take them. I was a little too passive in parts.”
In a high quality match, both players hit just 15 unforced errors each, with Garcia leading the winner count 28 to 23 – despite 12 aces from the big-serving Brit.
“This win means a lot because the beginning of the year hasn’t been easy,” she said. “Konta is a difficult player, and she’s been pretty solid most of the year. This match was a bit weird, some ups and downs and not too many rallies. I’m happy with the way I kept my focus to the end; even if I played a bad return, I stayed positive and finished with a great tie-break.
“I think it was more of a mental match because physically, I wasn’t even tired – there were no rallies! I was just working on moving from one point to another. Mentally, it wasn’t easy to keep the intensity. In the end, I brought what I did well in the match, and I returned better. I just had to win that tie-break, and I’ll keep the last point.”
.@CaroGarcia is first through to @BNPPARIBASOPEN Round of 16!
Turns tables on Konta 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (1)! pic.twitter.com/vFWJkabYN2
— WTA (@WTA) March 12, 2017
Not too far from a career-high ranking of No.23, Garcia next plays No.8 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova, who dug out a three set win over No.26 seed Roberta Vinci, 6-2, 2-6, 6-1.
“I expect longer rallies than today, for sure!” Garcia said. “She’s a great player with a lot of experience. She’ll enjoy these conditions with the bouncy court. I’ll have to put as much pressure as I can, not let her dictate with the forehand.
“You can learn a lot from a match like this because she has a very tactical game. I’ll try to be more aggressive.”
¡Bienvenido a Miami!
Known for the weather, Art Deco architecture, pristine beaches, all-night parties on South Beach and cigar shops on Calle Ocho, Miami is a leading destination for travelers from all over the world.
The stars of the WTA leave the desert and head towards the beach for the second Premier Mandatory of the year and to compete for the chance to be crowned champion of the 2016 Miami Open.
Miami-resident Monica Puig has joined in on the fun for this edition of the WTA Travel Guide: Miami and gives you her recommendations for must-sees and must-dos in the Magic City.
WATCH THE MATCHES
Within the bright lights and big city of Miami, nestled on the island town of Key Biscayne, the Miami Open offers the perfect combination of world-class tennis and a premier entertainment experience.
New to this year’s event is the Taste of the Miami Open, where fans can sample a variety of dishes from celebrity chefs and local restaurants. If you’re looking to hop aboard the food truck trend, check out one of the three food trucks on site providing a variety of culinary offerings. Click here for all of the delicious dining options for you to sample during your visit.
Qualifying runs March 21 – 22, with matches beginning at 10:00am. Main draw is March 22 – April 3, with day sessions beginning at 11:00am. Night sessions begin March 23 and start at 7:00pm. Looking for tickets? Click here.
WHERE TO STAY
One of the most visited cities in the world, there is no shortage of first-class hotel accommodations for you to choose from when visiting Miami.
For a true luxury beach escape with convenient access to the Miami Open, the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne is the place to stay. With a 20,000 square-foot spa, four restaurants, access to water activities on Biscayne Bay and the largest tennis facility of any Ritz Carlton property in the Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center, there is no shortage of ways to entertain people of all ages.
If you’re looking to venture off Key Biscayne, the Four Seasons Miami offers 221 deco-inspired rooms in the heart of the sophisticated neighborhood of Brickell. With two pools, and free access to Equinox gym and more than 100 fitness classes offered each week, the Four Seasons can ensure you stay active after a day of watching the world’s best athletes.
The JW Marriott Marquis not only provides guests with the opportunity to eat at celebrity Chef Daniel Boulud’s restaurant db Bistro Moderne, but also a chance to explore two floors worth of entertainment including the indoor Mariano Bartolome Indoor Golf School with a simulator, a virtual bowling alley and a NBA-approved basketball court.
Included on Travel + Leisure’s “500 World’s Best Hotels 2015” the Epic Hotel, guests can enjoy boutique-style accommodations but with big-city luxury. Relax by the pool or enjoy Miami nightlife at Lit Lounge.
The Conrad Hotel offers beautiful minimalist designed rooms, with a bar on the 25th floor to give guests a panoramic view of the city. Rooftop tennis courts and a pool, as well as a 24-hour fitness center are all excellent options if you’re looking to be active during your stay.
WHERE TO EAT
Miami offers seemingly unending culinary options, but here are a few of our favorite for your dining pleasure.
For a true taste of Latin America, head to Coya Restaurant for traditional Peruvian food and bespoke pisco cocktails.
If you’re looking to experience the informal Japanese dining style called izakaya, visit Zuma Restaurant in the heart of downtown, for modern Japanese flavors.
In the beautiful neighborhood of Coconut Grove, Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar and Latam Grill is known for their fresh Ceviche Spoon Bar, as well as their take on modern Mexican food. They also offer a well curated selection of South American wines and a signature cocktail list.
Voted OpenTable’s Diners Choice Award for Most Vibrant Bar Scene in Miami, Bulla Gastrobar specializes in Spanish and Catalan dishes. The casual dining experience stays true to providing diners with the chance to sample the most popular tapas in Spain without leaving Coral Gables.
Named Ocean Magazine’s “Best Place to Brunch in Midtown,” Apeiro Kitchen & Bar features Mediterranean cuisine gives diners the opportunity to enjoy lunch, brunch, happy hour or dinner both in a rustic indoor and outdoor setting.
MONICA PUIG‘S FAVORITE SPOTS
Although she was born in Puerto Rico, Monica Puig calls Miami home and is one of the few players who has the opportunity to play an event in front of her hometown crowd. When she isn’t on court, here are a few of her favorite must-see spots in Miami:
The beach is my happy place. There are so many beautiful beaches in Miami. Click here for a great list of all sandy spots you can visit.
My favorite activity when I’m at home is to go out to eat with my family. For traditional Cuban food, I love Sergio’s for a healthy and fast breakfast. For a great meal in Coral Gables, my go-to spot is Hillstone. They have amazing spinach dip and ahi tuna tartare and then after dinner you can walk the famous Miracle Mile for more shopping and bars. If you’re craving an awesome steak dinner, I love Morton’s, located in the Financial District.
Miami has no shortage of amazing shopping. When I’m not at the beach or on court, I love going to the Miami Design District to check out the high-end stores. For great outlet shopping, Dolphin Mall is the place to go, with stores like Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus all at discount prices.
And finally, don’t forget to come out and cheer me on during my matches at the Miami Open. See you there!
INDIAN WELLS, CA, USA – Venus Williams’ second trip to the BNP Paribas Open since 2001 is quickly bearing fruit as the Australian Open runner-up rolled past former World No.5 Lucie Safarova, 6-4, 6-2.
“I really, really, really, really want to do well here!” she exclaimed during her on-court interview. “I’m from California, and I love the hardcourts. This is an opportunity for me to shine at home, so I’m going for it.”
“I felt really pretty good off the ground,” she added in her post-match press conference. “This court is tricky as the ball stops, so a lot of the times you’re not hitting the ball where you think you’re going to hit it. So it definitely takes adjustments.
“I don’t know if there’s enough time to adjust, anyway. You just kind of like deal with it. So it’s an interesting court. You know, I felt like I was being able to string points together, which of course puts pressure on my opponents if I’m not making as many errors.”
.@VenusesWilliams makes no mistake at the net! #BNPPO17 pic.twitter.com/90Ok2Ukjh1
— WTA (@WTA) March 13, 2017
The American was on the brink of defeat in her opening round match against fellow former No.1 Jelena Jankovic, having had to recover from match point down to defeat the Serb in three sets.
“I can hit the ball, and I can hit it well. If anything, I feel like I’m getting better. So as long as I’m improving, I want to be here. On the day that I’m not improving and this is a realization, then that’s when you know you have to walk away. So not there yet.”
But there were far fewer problems against Safarova, who’d knocked out Australian Open semifinalist CoCo Vandeweghe in her previous match.
.@VenusesWilliams makes the pass and is serving for the first set! #BNPPO17 pic.twitter.com/aSq96qkr4w
— WTA (@WTA) March 13, 2017
What was working for Venus today?
“Forehand, backhand, serve, return,” she joked. “I respect my opponent so much; it’s never easy to play a lefty because you feel the ball coming from all different directions. You feel unbalanced, but my focus was so laser that it felt good to compete in these conditions.”
In all, Venus struck 15 winners to just nine unforced errors, while Safarova hit 20 winners of her own and 27 unforced errors. More aggessive off the return, the five-time Wimbledon winner broke serve four times and one all eight points at net.
.@VenusesWilliams bossing the rally! ? #BNPPO17 pic.twitter.com/YMbeFdZcOD
— WTA (@WTA) March 13, 2017
“It won’t be easy. It won’t be easy,” she repeated when asked about whether she could win the tournament. “But I would like to try. What else can I do except try? And it hasn’t really been the easiest draw, either. I’ve played some opponents who know how to play tennis. And just because your ranking says this, doesn’t mean that you do not know how to win a match.
“And I’ve had history against these opponents, so not the easiest draw so it was good to come through that.”
Up next will be resurgent qualifier Peng Shuai, who stunned No.6 seed Agnieszka Radwanska, 6-4, 6-4.
“Every day is a grind. I’m just out there trying to make a difference on the court and in my life and others’ lives where I can.”
.@VenusesWilliams cruises past Safarova 6-4, 6-2!
Slides into @BNPParibasOpen Round of 16! pic.twitter.com/V8z3oRXedn
— WTA (@WTA) March 13, 2017