Choky Kuzy Wins, Williams on Wednesday at Sony Ericsson Miami

Svetlana Kuznetsova and Victoria Azarenka became the first two players into the semifinals with wins on Tuesday at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami.
ADHEREL
Kuznetsova blew a 6-4, 5-2 lead before defeating No. 13 seed Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-1.

“I came here after losing first round two tournaments in a row,” Kuznetsova said. “I was practicing and preparing well, so when I came here I was so disappointed. I haven’t lost two first rounds in a row as long as I can remember. So for me here, it was really important to just play match by match.”

The No. 11-seeded Azarenka was brutal in ending the run of unseeded Aussie Sam Stosur 6-1, 6-0.

“I’ve been playing very well the last four weeks. I want to keep going,” Azarenka said. “Sam has a great serve and my return was very important today. I was hitting it very well and starting to put pressure on her right away.”

Azarenka is 0-3 career against Kuznetsova, including last year at Miami when she led 6-1, 5-2 before clasping her hands to her throat in a 1-6, 7-5, 6-0 loss.

“I’ve never beaten her before,” Azarenka said. “She’s a great player.”

The other two quarterfinals will be played Wednesday, featuring No. 1 seed Serena Williams against Li Na, and No. 5 seed Venus Williams against No. 26 seed Iveta Benesova.

You Might Like:
Murray, Venus Try Tennis on Roofs of Cars in Miami
Venus Williams In, Serena Out: Sony Ericsson Miami Preview
Miami Sony Ericsson Tennis TV Schedule
Murray, Azarenka Collect Sony Ericsson Miami Titles
Shocker as Sharapova Withdraws from Miami, Fine on the Way?