Indian Wells, BNP Paribas Open, WTA Premier

[MargaretMcAleer]

Goodness me Serena's serve has gone AWOL,Vika one of the best returners in the WTA,returning well and her bhand is on fire so far,breaks again,though can she convert this time?

 

[Moxie]

Classic Azarenka on that one.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I don't body-shame, but Serena is carrying a lot of fat on her belly. My worry is for her back. Her power is in her shoulders and legs. But I think she's risking her back, at this age.

Serena still not back in shape,her serve is not what is used to be.

 

[Moxie]

Clearly her fire is, though. This is a good match.

 

[Moxie]

OMG, what a point, and what a swinging volley from Serena. And the whithering look.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Both players having trouble when facing the wind with their shots,this is the best I have seen Vika play for some time,maybe playing Serena has made her 'step up' Serena has a habit of doing that to her opponents

Back on serve again.....3 games all....

 

[Moxie]

Both players having trouble when facing the wind with their shots,this is the best I have seen Vika play for some time,maybe playing Serena has made her 'step up' Serena has a habit of doing that to her opponents

Everyone steps up to the top players, but Vika is one who knows she has a shot.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Everyone steps up to the top players, but Vika is one who knows she has a shot.

Vika seems to be enjoying the challenge so far,yes she does have a shot,.

 

[Moxie]

Vika seems to be enjoying the challenge so far,yes she does have a shot,.

It seems that no time was lost between them...this is a battle.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Serena breaks and will serve for the first set 5-3 double faults did hamper Vika's service game

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

OMG what a rally and Vika breaks......really enjoying this match,Vika's level dipped a bit,though now the level is up again

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Wonderful inside out bhand winner seals Vika's service game......5 games all

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Great drop volley from Vika brings up 2nd BP great serve Serena

3rd BP for Vika.....great kick serve from Serena

 

[Moxie]

Fascinating match. Clearly they both challenge each other.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Serena holds, saving BPs,Vika will serve to force a t/breaker in the 1st set

 

[Moxie]

Now Vika serves to take it to a TB.

 

[kskate2]

Vika waits until she plays mama Serena to bring her best play. She's been subpar for way too long.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Just wonderful to watch when Vika plays like this......power tennis at its best

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Serena wins 1st set 7-5....incredible set of tennis by both players.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Serena's 1st serve way off in her opening service game of the 2nd set,she does have to adjust it when serving into the wind,maybe use a slice serve,Vika breaks. Serena with some good returns,gets the break back,reminds me of the opening service games of the 1st set.