Azarenka ends Stephens run to make Australian open final

MELBOURNE, Jan 24 (Reuters: Victoria Azarenka overcame troubling injuries to end the fairytale run of American teenager Sloane Stephens on Thursday and advance to the Australian Open final against China’s Li Na.

Victoria Azarenka of Belarus (L) shakes hands with Sloane Stephens of the U.S. after defeating her in their women’s singles semi-final match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne January 24, 2013. REUTERS

Last year’s champion, despite the effects of injuries she appeared to sustain to her left knee and then her ribs, was relatively comfortable against the 19-year-old Stephens to run out a 6-1 6-4 winner.

The 23-year-old Belarusian, however, will look forward to two days recovery before the final against Li, who had demolished Maria Sharapova earlier, after she appeared to sustain the injuries early in the second set.

Azarenka looked flustered for the rest of the match and her frustration level increased when Stephens saved five match points when the Belarussian was serving while leading 5-3, but she took her next opportunity on Stephens’ next service game.