Azarenka loses comeback match

Tuesday, 6 January 2015 01:17 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

BRISBANE (Reuters): The decibel readings were not needed for Victoria Azarenka on Monday as the groans from the crowd at the Brisbane International almost drowned out her trademark shrieks. Still struggling to get back to her best, the former world number one was beaten 4-6 7-6(7) 6-4 in the first round by Czech

Karolina Pliskova. The crowd at the Pat Rafter Arena, aware of the injuries and personal problems the Belarussian has endured over the past year, urged her on but their vocal backing was not enough. Azarenka was the architect of her own defeat. She failed to convert two match points in the second set and made nine double faults and 44 unforced errors in a match that lasted 3-1/4 hours. At 25, time is still on Azarenka’s side and there were enough positive signs to show she can get back towards the top but the road to a full recovery looks likely to be a slow one.