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Serena: I already saw myself defeated

Serena missed a match ball by the end of the tenth game of the third set, and then had to save three connected match balls in the 12th game against Azarenka. Azarenka froze, and then the 13th game was a formality. Suarez got her tenth quarterfinal of the season, but won't have it easy today. She's got 0-5 to Serena, and only won 2.4 games per match

Serena got her 26th consecutive win. But she almost didn't. Azarenka knew before the match that this will be a big test, but she was a test for the American, too. The Belarus' game is getting better, her form could be her best by the time Roland Garros starts, and Serena is aware of that. She commented on it after beating her yesterday: 

- She's absolutely coming back. It's nice to see a Grand Slam winner playing like that, and I'll always cheer for her when she's playing.

The serves marked the first set on both sides. Neither Serena nor Azarenka allowed a break chance in that set. Azarenka had a 5-1 advantage in the 13th game, and then lost the set. Even when she was a break behind in the second, you could see the end was near. But whoever thought that was wrong. Azarenka took the second set with two breaks, and then the drama ensued in the third. Serena took an early break, got to 3-0, Azarenka got the break back, and saved two break chances in the eighth game. Serena got a match ball on the return in the tenth, but Azarenka saved it, took the serve from Serena one game later, and had a chance to serve for the match.

Azarenka even got the lead then, but then froze out of nowhere. Serena used it and saved two match balls with two aggressive returns. Azarenka started making mistakes, and the rest was formality.

- I think it was a big match all in all. I think the only negative thing is the final result - Azarenka said afterwards, and Serena added:

- I feel she served much better than before me. I feel she can really hit lots of aces and do a lot of things like that. She did some new things and now I know what I can expect from her the next time. I made a lot of mistakes and I'll try to figure out what I did well, and what not that well before my next match. 

She'll face Suarez in the quarterfinal. Suarez's got 0-5 against Serena, and never won more than five games in one match. Actually, she only got 2.4 games in those five duels. The last time, she got beat in Miami final, with two games won. Last year in Madrid, she won five. Of those five, Suarez got four thanks to taking Serena's serve. She'll hardly do that again, and we can expect Serena to fire at her from all sides. 

Suarez showed her consistency here in Madrid, and firmness that was her weapon throughout her whole career. That's why she got the Top 10 ranking, and beating Ivanović helped her get her tenth quarterfinal this season. She faced Ivanović in Rome last year, and played three sets. This one in Madrid also took three sets, after a bit over two hours of tennis.

- The first set was really tough, I got my head down for 10-15 minutes, and she used it. Ivanović is a really aggressive player, I knew it'd be tough, but I could react really well - Suarez pointed out. She won 13 out of 16 matches that went to three sets this year.

- The audience played an important role. I hope tomorrow will be the same as today.

Serena pointed out that she thought she was beaten when Azarenka got three match balls. But she had nothing to lose, and she played one point at a time. It was worth it in the end, she used Azarenka's freezing and made a big turnaround in the final moments. Serena made many mistakes in that match, but Azarenka has to take credit for a good part of those, too. Suarez can't play like that again, she's the most vulnerable in the rallies, especially her serve. Suarez allowed 15 break chances to Ivanović, and Serena will get plenty, for sure.

The only thing that's hard to expect from Serena is to allow 15 break chances like Ivanović did. For comparison sake, Azarenka allowed only four, and she's one of the best return players of the world.

- It'll be a tough match against Serena. We all know my score against her, I'll have to do something different and get ready mentally. The way I played against Serena before isn't working. I'll try to be more dynamic and do everything in my power to change the result - Suarez concluded.

Serena's dominance in the initial two Madrid rounds was amazing and she could have won both matches even more convincingly. But then, her match against Azarenka was one of the biggest dramas, which in the end ended successfully for the American. I'm sure she will be more focused and convincing now in order to avoid nerve-wrecking moments. Carla is playing her standard boring tennis, which goes well against most players. But Serena will decide this match and given what she's been doing lately, she should crush Carla. As I said already, following the last round, Serena will not allow anything but a convincing win. Serena is much better in head to head matches, having always covered the 6.5 handicap each time. Since Serena is the superior player here and that Carla has nothing to threaten her with, I'm going with higher stake.