It was the second week in a row that Nadal and Djokovic, world number one and two respectively, were meeting in a Masters 1000 final. The last time the top two players clashed for the title at this tournament in1995, number two Andre Agassi beat number one Pete Sampras in a third set tiebreaker.

With a backhand up the line pass for a winner on his second break point opportunity, Nadal obtained a 2-1 advantage. It was the first time, Djokovic had dropped serve this tournament.

After going down double break point, Nadal found the equalizer. The Spaniard survived another break point before consolidating for 3-1.

Then, Nadal captured a second break for 4-1. The Spaniard salvaged another break point before widening his lead to 5-1. Nadal dropped serve trying to close out the set the first time around. But, despite difficulties, on his second attempt Nadal banked the set.

After wasting multiple break points in the initial set, Djokovic aided by errors from Nadal seized the break for 2-0 in the second. Subsequent to wiping out a break point, Djokovic consolidated for 3-0 when Nadal’s slice backhand found the net.

Djokovic pressured Nadal on serve while having an easier time himself. At 40-0, Djokovic sent a beautiful lob for a winner to stretch his gap to 4-1. Ultimately, with an ace on triple set point, Djokovic threw the gauntlet for a deciding set.

The opening game of the third, Nadal overcame love-30 to hold. Serving at 1-2, Djokovic battled a similar predicament and got to 2 all. As the set progressed, despite a few 15-30 or 0-30 games, neither manufactured a break point. Fittingly, the championship was settled by a tiebreaker.

The first four points of the tiebreaker, neither competitor maintained serve. When Nadal double faulted, Djokovic had a mini-break at 3-2. With Nadal’s next two strokes sailing wide, Djokovic had a 5-2 cushion.

Following, Djokovic struck a forehand winner down the line for 6-2 and four championship points. Although Nadal won the next two points, on his third opportunity, Djokovic connected on forehand winner to pocket the trophy.

Djokovic became the seventh player to prevail both in Miami and Indian Wells the same season. The last was Roger Federer in 2006. Also, Djokovic collected his seventh Masters’ shield.

Moreover, Djokovic becomes the fourth individual to triumph at the Australian Open and the first two Masters 1000 events the same year. Again, it was last done by Federer in 2006.

Djokovic’s record is 24-0 for the year, however dating back to the 2010 Davis Cup, he is 26-0.
It’s the third longest winning streak in a season. Ivan Lendl’s was 25 in 1986 and John McEnroe 39 in 1984.

After the match, Djokovic expressed “it was one of the closest and best finals that I have ever played. To be able to win against a great champion like Nadal, [the world number one]. . . I think it was very high level of tennis. I think everybody enjoyed, even us. It was very close, and up to the last stroke we really didn’t know which way it was going to go”.

Djokovic felt he turned the match around by “ [decreasing] the number of unforced errors in the second set, which was important to me. I wanted to make him play an extra shot, not give him a lot of free points and get some free points on [my] serve”.

In reference to the win at Indian Wells whether it gave him an advantage coming into today. Djokovic responded “I don’t think it affected today’s match too much. Maybe from the mental side slightly you have some advantage knowing that you won against your opponent. . . two weeks ago”.

The clay season is days away. MiamiTennisNews.com asked Djokovic considering the great battles the two had on that surface in 2009, what would he have to do to beat Nadal this year.

Djokovic replied “if I have an opportunity to play him on clay, I have to be aggressive. Clay is the slowest surface and suits him best. Over the years, he’s been the king of that surface. . . I guess you’ve got to step in, believe and play your game. I think I have the game to challenge him on that surface and I showed that in 2009”.

After the match, Nadal said “[Djokovic] is playing with confidence. . .the best moment of his career. I didn’t play as well as I did during tournament today. I was a little bit more tired than usual. But, it’s part of the game. Sometimes you win; sometimes you lose”.

Still Nadal cited “ I had chances in both places. . . When you’re winning, it’s easier to keep winning. . . I didn’t serve as well as I had during the tournament. . . [Still] I was fighting until the last point. . . I love these kind of matches. . . I love to win, not lose. But from everything you learn, I had a fantastic American hardcourt season, two finals, and ready for clay”

Nadal had six double faults. Consequently, MiamiTennisNews.com wanted to know what he felt went wrong with his serve. Nadal answered “one [double fault] is too many. . . I always say if I knew the reason, I would never do it again. . . Maybe I was a little more nervous than other days, second final in a row. . . I’ve never won here and this was my third chance. I played against a player who’s playing well and I lost last week”.

Nadal is looking forward to moving to clay “normally when I play well on clay I have a little bit more advantage, so we’ll see what happens in Monte-Carlo. I’m going to start practicing on clay. . .always an [adjustment] after almost ten months [of hardcourt]. . . First tournament on clay is always important, important for my confidence. . . . I’m going to try my best for the seventh [title in Monte-Carlo].

Participating in Miami for the first time since 2007, Sharapova cruised to the quarterfinals. However, the Russian fought off Alexandra Dulgheru and Andrea Petkovic to reach her third final in Miami.

After difficult three setters to advance to the quarterfinals, Azarenka dominated defending champion and world number two Kim Clijsters and coasted to victory in the semifinals versus world number three Vera Zvonareva.

Azarenka was in the zone early on. In the initial game, after Sharapova had double game point, Azarenka connected on a forehand up the winner for break point. Despite Sharapova surviving that one, on her third break point chance, Azarenka converted.

With a few miscues by Azarenka, Sharapova broke back quickly to level the set at 1 all. Still, as a result of two consecutive double faults, Sharapova went down 0-30. Later, when Sharapova sent a forehand wide, Azarenka had the break for 2-0.

With Sharapova spraying forehands and backhands all over the place and ineffective on the return of serve, Azarenka rolled five consecutive games which included two additional breaks to take the first set.

In the second set, with a double fault on break point by Sharapova, Azarenka had a 2-0 lead. After consolidating, Azarenka put on the pressure to get to deuce after Sharapova was at 40-love.

With a one handed backhand winner off the return, Azarenka had her third break point of the fourth game and converted with a net court winner for 4-0. Consequently, Azarenka was up a double break and had nine successive games.

But, Sharapova ever the fighter did not make it easy for the Belarusian. By forcing a few mistakes from Azarenka who had committed only a handful previously, Sharapova broke for 1-4.

Sharapova chipped away, narrowing the deficit to 3-4. However, by pushing a forehand long, Sharapova faced break point. When the Russian double faulted the very next point, Azarenka arrived at 5-3.

With Azarenka serving for the match, Sharapova dismissed two match points and was gifted the break on a double fault. Yet, the issue was Sharapova’s own serve.

Sharapova had held serve only once thus far. With a backhand down the line winner, Azarenka arrived at break point which was also her third match point. With Sharapova netting another forehand, Azarenka had the championship and her sixth tour victory.

Down 0-4 in the second set, Sharapova tried to make a match of it but stated “it’s a little bit too late to pick up the pace. . Against a player like her you have to have that level from the beginning or she’s going to go with it and only get better. She’ll gain more confidence. She did many things better today. She was the aggressive one; she returned better”.

Considering where she was ten weeks ago with the flu, having to pull out of Paris and unable to practice, Sharapova expressed that she was satisfied with the last four weeks “I was in no shape or form to even play a tournament. . . So it’s really amazing that I even achieved this. I came into Indian Wells without a lot of expectations”.

With her finalist status, Sharapova on Monday will be ranked at number nine. Along with Sharapova, Jennifer Capriati is the sole player to have failed to win in Miami her first three times.

Azarenka was very satisfied with her play today “I think I had the right tactics. She likes to swing big and when she has time, it’s very heavy and comes back fast. So I was trying to take time away [from her]. . . But in the end she really stepped it up. I don’t think I did anything wrong, she was just going for her shots, catching few lines and playing really well. So I just had to really hang in there and keep playing my game”.

In the past, Azarenka had outbursts on court when things went south. Today, the Belarusian was very composed even after Sharapova was at 3-4.

Azarenka explained “I went home, spent three days by myself and just realized a few things what I want to do with my life, how to really find that balance. I guess it takes time and sometimes loneliness to realize what you have to do with your life”.

At that time, Azarenka had an epiphany that she would “do the best I can. . . fight for every ball. . . [but] the outcome is not up to me. So I just came to practice and I tried every day to be happy, to enjoy myself on the court”.

It seems a matter of time before this 21 year old hoists a majors’ trophy. Thus, MiamiTennisNews.com asked if she had a preference.

Azarenka replied “ No. It’s the same points. Maybe a little bit of difference in the prize money, but any title is good”. She agreed though that her game is better suited to hardcourt, still “you have to adjust and be smart with how you prepare to play on clay or grass. I’ve had good [results] on grass. . .so we’ll see”.

With this victory, Azarenka will match her career best ranking of number six.

Nadal drew first blood in the first set. With Federer’s forehand up the line going wide, the Spaniard had double break point. Then, when Federer pushed a backhand into the net, Nadal had the break for 2-1.

Nadal consolidated easily for 3-1. Later, with Federer serving at 3-5, a litany of errors resulted in Nadal breaking for the second time to seal the opening set.

In the second set, with Nadal netting a backhand, Federer had his first break point of the night. However, with a net court winner off an overhead, Nadal was at deuce. Nadal went on to capture the game.

Subsequently, with a backhand down the line pass for a winner, Nadal had break point. He capitalized when Federer’s forehand found the net. With a prompt game, Nadal moved ahead 3-0.

The remainder of the set, Federer was just trying to tread water. The Swiss’ only window came at 1-3 and 0-30, but Nadal quickly shut it.

With Federer serving to prolong the match, miscues after miscues gave Nadal his first match point. As a result of Federer misfiring, Nadal booked his place into the final.

Federer committed 31 unforced errors while hitting 18 winners. Federer said in analyzing the match “I think it’s always a bit of an adjustment coming out and playing Rafa, any lefty, but him in particular. . . I warmed up with a lefty, Bob Bryan, and tried to get acclimatized as [much as] I could against him. It’s just hard”.

Federer went on “in the first couple games I got a break down, the conditions weren’t really favoring me. [It’s] slow [and] just makes it so hard to hit through him on a surface like this. Maybe you try to over hit a bit. Then, I started to make the wrong decisions on big points. . .and it’s not easy to come back. He played tough and he played well when he had to and I didn’t do that tonight. So it’s disappointing for me”.

Federer was asked why he thought this surface did not favor him “particularly against players like Rafa who like to have a bit more time, it gives them the opportunity to return from way back,. . .it’s definitely helpful. You can’t shoot through the court too much. . . . I’ve played really well on this surface in the past. Tonight, unfortunately, it wasn’t [my] night”.

On the topic of winning majors after the age of 29 something accomplished by a handful of players, Federer was a tad perturbed by the question citing “ I think I’ve done quite well over the last ten years. I feel like I’ve done a lot more than some other players. . . We’re not going to predict how many I’m going to get or not. I’m enjoying myself right now, and playing well. . . that’s what I care about right now”.

Nadal felt it was important to keep the pressure on Federer throughout the match “if he had the break the first game of the second set, you never know he gains confidence and starts to play better. . . That’s not what happened. I was lucky with the net. So in general, I think I played a very good match, very solid; first set especially I think I played very, very well. Second set I think he played worse, made more mistakes than usual”.

Looking ahead to the final Nadal said “[Djokovic] is winning very easily all [his] matches. . . He’s playing fantastic. I congratulate him on what he’s done the first three months of the season. It’s fantastic”.

However, Nadal stated “we’ll see what [happens]. I felt I had a chance last week in Indian Wells. I lost a little bit of focus and rhythm in the second set. The intensity in the legs and in the shots [were less], so, I started to play a little bit more defensive. Against a player like Novak, it is impossible to win the match playing like that. On Sunday I have to play very well, aggressive throughout the match if I want to have any chance”.

Sunday’s final will be a rematch of the BNP Paribas Open final. For the second week in a row, Novak Djokovic and Nadal will battle for a Masters Series 1000 title.

Nadal will be in search of his first title at the Sony Ericsson Open after being halted twice before while Djokovic the 2007 champion will be looking for his second.

Moreover, Djokovic will be attempting the double play, Indian Wells and Miami, something last accomplished by Federer in 2006.

Once the court was dried and the players picked up where they left off, Djokovic guarded serve and went ahead 3-2.

Soon, with Fish burying a volley into the net from a low forehand by Djokovic, the Serb had break point. Although Fish won the next point for deuce, with Djokovic connecting on backhand crosscourt pass for a winner, Fish faced the third break point of the game. When Fish netted a forehand in an extensive rally, Djokovic pocketed the break for 4-3.

Then, with Fish sending a return wide, Djokovic consolidated for 5-2.

Serving for the set, Djokovic dumped a forehand into the net to hand Fish double break point. Still, with Fish misfiring on forehand shot and backhand volley, Djokovic got to deuce and later shut the first set.

By double faulting in the opening game of the second set, Fish donated break point to his adversary. After saving one break point, Fish gifted another with a forehand volley error. With Fish’s forehand landing wide, Djokovic broke.

After comfortably consolidating and getting a 3-1 lead, Djokovic found himself with double break point when Fish’s backhand volley went wide. On Fish’s second backhand volley mistake in a row, Djokovic had his second break and a 4-1 advantage.

Subsequent to erasing a break point to get to 5-1, Djokovic provoked a series of miscues from Fish to arrive at double break point. By breaking Fish for the third time in the set, Djokovic clinched a berth into the final.

Fish was trying to defeat Djokovic for the maiden time in six attempts. Considering that Djokovic is unbeaten, it was perhaps an impossible task.

Maybe the tone of the match would have been different had Fish converted on his break point chances. Fish said “those were huge points. It was extremely disappointing. . . I thought I played well. . .down 63, 51 you look at the total points won and he’s only won like eight more points. I [just] didn’t win any of the big points. . . I left a lot shots out there today.”

Again, Fish confirmed that fellow competitors are amazed by what Djokovic has done so far “He’s not losing games. He’s crushing us. . . He doesn’t give you much out there at all. . . The matches are so long you’re bound to lose focus here and there. . . Sometimes for guys it’s games, for him it’s maybe a point or two at the most right now. He zones in pretty well”.

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer play tonight for a place in the final. In terms of Nadal or Federer being able to vanquish Djokovic, Fish cited “I think those guys are at another level than myself. . . [They] have played in matches like this before all the time. . . Certainly both guys can beat him; they came close at Indian Wells. . . You have to favor [Djokovic but] he’s got to lose sometime”.

After the match, Djokovic stated that he was glad for the rain delay “after I came back from the locker room. . . I felt different on the court. [The] first couple of games were quite strange. The wind was blowing, it was quite humid, just different conditions. . . I came into the match not really moving well, just lucky enough not to go a break down”.

Djokovic has yet to be broken this tournament and it’s been a difficult task for his competitors this year. The Serb was asked the secret to guarding serve in those pressure situation.

Djokovic responded “any time I was down break points. . .I served really well. That’s something that makes me happy. You [need] some luck as well in some moments”.

The last time Federer claimed a victory over Djokovic was at 2010 Barclays ATP World tour final. Federer’s three knockdowns this year have come at the hand of Djokovic. Nadal has met Djokovic once this year at Indian Wells and was the runner-up.

With a good hardcourt record against Nadal but having yet to surrender a match to Federer this season, does Djokovic have a preference as to whom he sees in the final? Djokovic answered “I don’t really know how to answer. Both have played great tennis over the years regardless of the surface. They’re such great competitors and tennis players that it doesn’t matter really. They always play at a very high level”.

Further, Djokovic said “in order for me to win the final. . . . I will have to be at the top of my game against either of those two players”.

On Sunday, Djokovic, the 2007 champion in Miami, will attempt to hold the Indian Wells and Miami titles simultaneously. An achievement that was last realized by Federer. Federer did it twice in 2005 and 2006.

With Nadal winning nine of the twelve meetings against Berdych and the last eight, the contest at first seemed a formality. Particularly the manner in which Nadal got out of the gates.

Nadal raced to a 3-0 advantage in the primary set by taking Berdych’s first two games. Then, by provoking a backhand miscue from Berdych padded his lead to 4-0.

With Berdych serving, Nadal hit an awesome forehand crosscourt pass off a backhand overhead by Berdych which summed up the miserable time that Berdych was having. Still, Berdych held to make the score respectable at 4-1.

While Nadal had no trouble carrying the set, the next couple of games, Berdych demonstrated that he finally awoke.

In the opening game of the second set, Berdych overcame double break point to maintain serve. Subsequently, when Nadal double faulted and had a forehand go long, Berdych had double break point. With a forehand up the line winner, Berdych grabbed the break for 2-0.

Then, Berdych consolidated for a 3-0 lead. During the changeover, Nadal called for the trainer and the Spaniard had his shoulder and neck attended to. After the treatment, Nadal held for 3-1.

Nadal received treatment again during the second set. In the eighth game, Nadal fought off two set points to guard serve for 5-3. However, with strong serving, Berdych closed the set with a love game.

Prior to the commencement of the third set, Nadal was manipulated by the trainer for the third time. By slicing a backhand long, Nadal stared at triple break point.

A mistake by Berdych and three consecutive aces gave Nadal game point. The Spaniard finished the game with a forehand volley winner.

Both players had relatively fast service games with no break point until the eighth game.

When Berdych dumped a forehand into the net after Nadal’s penetrating stroke, the latter had double break point. Nadal went up 5-3 when Berdych again netted a forehand.

As a result of a winner, Nadal arrived at triple match point. With Berdych’s backhand sailing long, Nadal wrote his name opposite Federer’s in the semifinals.

A conspicuously disappointed Berdych said “to break after winning the second set, that would have been a great chance for me. But, he just served unbelievably well. . . You can expect three or four aces from somebody like [Andy] Roddick or [Ivo] Karlovic. But from Rafa [not really], just too good for him”.

Still, Berdych said there are positives to take away from this encounter when asked by MiamiTennisNews.com “the matches since the last time I beat him, I had not won a set against him. . . I was trying something different today. Until maybe the last service game it was working pretty well and I had a good run”.

After the match, Nadal cited that it was unusual that his serve actually saved the match. Something that would not have been possible probably four years ago.

As far the right shoulder injury, Nadal stated that he felt a pinched nerve, something that had never occurred before. The Spaniard expressed that he just blocked out the injury in the third set. After all, it’s the quarterfinals of a Masters Series one of the most important tournaments.

Nadal felt confident that he would be well for the challenge of playing Federer tomorrow night. In their head to head, Nadal leads Federer 14-8.

Speaking of Federer, Nadal iterated that it’s always nice and “special” to play Federer. Over the years, they’ve developed a friendship and he does not view it as a “rivalry”. The two have battled in so many finals and he has great respect for Federer.

Nadal is in his second straight semifinal in Miami. In 2005 and 2008, Nadal advanced to the final but was stopped by Federer the first time, then surprised by Nikolay Davydenko the second.

Simon produced three successive errors to hand Federer triple break point in the opening game. Then, with a forehand winner, Federer took the game.

After Federer had no problem on his service game, at double break point, Simon dumped a volley into the net. Consequently, Federer had another break and a 3-0 lead.

During the change over, Simon consulted the trainer. Following a brief discussion, Simon shook hands with Federer conceding the match.

The Frenchman was forced to retire due to a stiff neck. Simon explained that “ in the morning’s warm-up, I felt it. It’s a pain I have sometimes. I had it in Rotterdam one month ago. I couldn’t play either. . . sometimes I just wake up like that and cannot turn my head very much. . . I tried everything, anti-inflammatory [medications], hot cream. . . After the second forehand I tried to hit very hard; I felt [pain] very hard also. I knew I had no chance today”.

Simon stated that it’s a problem which dates back at least six or seven years. In fact, the first time it presented itself on tour was at a tournament in Madrid. Simon withdrew from the qualifying rounds.

Simon cited that the issue was not a consequence of the grueling fourth round match against Janko Tipsarevic. He was disappointed particularly having battled a knee injury last year which caused him to miss part of the season.

Moreover, Simon had a 2-1 record versus Federer coming into today. In fact, Simon pushed Federer to a fifth set at this year’s Australian Open after being behind two sets to love.

Considering their previous encounters, when Federer was asked “nice way to into the semis”. Federer responded “No, no. It’s not a whole lot fun honestly because you see the guy being booed off the court which he clearly doesn’t deserve. . . I think we played only fifteen points, so it’s not great”.

Federer continued by saying “we’ve played some funny matches against each other. The five setter this year. . . The second time around in Shanghai I came off a back injury and I couldn’t really play properly as well. The first time in Toronto which was basically a normal match. . . I don’t know what to say. I’m just happy to be in the semis at this point”.

Nadal and Federer have not played on U.S. soil since the ATP Masters in Miami in 2005, the first of two titles for Federer at this venue. Thus, the two meeting in the semifinals would be special.

On the topic Federer stated “If I play Rafa, we have many memories from playing amazing matches against each other. It’s not even that unusual that we play each other in the semis because it happened at the World Tour finals back in Shanghai”.

Also Federer iterated “I’m happy that I’m already a step further [than last year]. . . I would love to play Rafa clearly. I think it would be electric out there tomorrow night”.

Tomas Berdych and Nadal clash tonight for the a place in the semifinals.

After Petkovic and Sharapova traded breaks to start the match, Petkovic took control of the first set by breaking and consolidating for 5-2.

In the second set though, Sharapova turned the tables on Petkovic. After Sharapova fought off a break point and had four deuces to hold in the initial game, she seized the break for 2-0.

Subsequently, Sharapova sponged over a break point to get to 3-0. Later, in a game that Petkovic seemed to be in command of, Sharapova manufactured break point to go up 4-0.

Ultimately, on the fourth break point opportunity, Sharapova banked the second set to force a decisive third.

The concluding set was more of the same. An aggressive Sharapova did not allow Petkovic to breathe. Following an swift first game, Sharapova had triple break point. The Russian capitalized with a forehand up the line winner.

With another quick game, Sharapova had a 3-0 lead. When Petkovic sent another backhand out of play, Sharapova had double break point. With another winner, Sharapova sprinted to a 4-0 advantage.

Petkovic mounted a mini charge in breaking Sharapova the first time she served for the match. But, Sharapova reasserted her supremacy by stealing Petkovic’s next game and punched her ticket into the final.

Petkovic was attempting to reach her second final of the year, she was a finalist in Brisbane. Petkovic was the first German in the semifinals in Miami since Steffi Graf in 1999. Moreover, Petkovic was trying to become only the second German to compete for the title.

In analyzing the match, Petkovic had the following to say when asked by MiamiTennisNews.com whether fatigued played a part “ I think so. . .definitely. But on the other hand, I was telling myself she also had to be tired after a three and a half hour match. You’re not the only one. . . , so come on, move your ass. Sorry. When you get in that state, it’s really tough to get out of it, but I think at least I tried my best”.

By reaching the semifinals, Petkovic will be in the top 20 for the first time in her career. MiamiTennisNews.com wanted to know what Petkovic felt she had to work on to crack the top ten other than being consistent. Petkovic replied “It’s definitely hard work. I’m one of the girls who works the hardest. I [will] do everything I can to [get to] the top. I needed some experience and some confidence”.

In addition, Petkovic explained “there are two types players I always find. . . The types who are just there and have confidence and others who gain confidence from experience and from matches. I’m the second type of player. . . I really started believing in my ability as a top player during this week. . . .[it was] the confirmation. The good thing is I beat these players and I feel like, man, I still have 105 things to improve. I think that’s a good sign when you still have so many things that you want to improve”.

Following a three hour and twenty nine minute quarterfinal, the longest match of the tournament so far, Sharapova perhaps came out a little flat. Sharapova said “ I didn’t feel in the beginning that I was moving well. I knew that I had to make that adjustment”.

Despite the score the last two sets, Sharapova expressed that it was a difficult contest “although I won the set 60, I still felt like we had a lot of deuce games, as many as we did in the first set”.

Sharapova is thrilled to be in the final saying “It would mean a lot[ to win this tournament]. It’s the biggest I think after the grand slams. I’m pretty fortunate to be in the final after having a few tough ones like I had the previous rounds. I look forward to going out there and getting it done”.

Sharapova is in her third final at the Sony Ericsson Open and her maiden final of 2011. Sharapova last clashed in 2006 with countrywoman Svetlana Kuznetsova for the trophy, but came up short.

The potential for a second all Russian final exists. Tonight, Vera Zvonareva faces Victoria Azarenka for the remaining slot.

If Sharapova wins the championship, her ranking could rise as high as number eight. The last time Sharapova was in that neighborhood was in 2008 right before her shoulder surgery. That year, Sharapova finished the year at number nine.

Regardless, with her semifinal victory, Sharapova is guaranteed a spot in the top ten.

Clijsters’ fourth round match against Ana Ivanovic was rescheduled from Monday to Tuesday due to rain. Then, the Belgian had to overcome a 1-5 deficit in the third set to make it to the quarterfinals. Consequently, it was anyone’s guess what physical and emotional toll this would have.

At 1 all, Clijsters committed an error to give Azarenka break point. The Belarusian converted when Clijsters sent a backhand long. Azarenka then comfortably consolidated for a 3-1 edge.

Yet, with Azarenka pushing a forehand long, Clijsters had triple break point. The Belgian capitalized when Azarenka threw in her second double fault of the game.

At that point, Clijsters seemed over her lackadaisical start. However, after having double game point, Clijsters dumped a backhand pass into the net to give Azarenka break point. As a result of a miscue from Clijsters, Azarenka took the game and consolidated for 5-3.

Breaking Clijsters for the third time, Azarenka bagged the opening set.

Subsequent to a quick hold, on a double fault by Clijsters, Azarenka had her second break point of the second set. Azarenka moved in front 2-0 when Clijsters’ forehand landed out of play.

Still, Clijsters fought back breaking right away. Again though after having game point, Clijsters was broken. Azarenka duplicated that achievement Clijsters’ next service game to jump ahead 5-1.

With Azarenka serving, Clijsters dismissed two match points and broke. Clijsters shrunk the gap to 5-3.

At this point, the crowd was still spurring Clijsters on hoping for a repeat of yesterday’s miracle. However, Azarenka would not be denied. On her third match point opportunity, Azarenka sealed the deal.

After the match, Clijsters was asked about what went wrong “Obviously, tonight was going to be very tough. I just didn’t feel good out there mentally, physically, [it] didn’t feel right”.

Whether it could have been too much tennis? Clijsters replied “I don’t know, a combination of a few things. . . Tough last few days, but not in a way that I should not be ready for that. I train hard enough. . . I just didn’t have any fighting spirit. It’s obviously tough against someone like her. Against some lower ranked players maybe it’s possible to get through matches”.

Azarenka had played Clijsters five times prior with only one win. Therefore, MiamiTennisNews inquired what was the difference today. Azarenka responded “ I played a little bit more aggressive. I tried to come in more. That was the biggest difference and physically I was much more stable today”.

Azarenka had a huge lead in the second set in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open in 2010 but found herself on the losing end against Serena Williams. When Clijsters got to 3-5, MiamiTennisNews.com wanted to know if Azarenka had any flashback to the Melbourne match.

Azarenka said “not at all. I don’t care what happened before, I try to forget. I learn from those things and forget them. I was just focused on each point. I don’t really look at the score much. You have to keep going until a chair umpire says, game, set, match.”

Also, Azarenka emphasized “the way tennis is, you can be up 51, match points, have an [easy] ball and still lose the match. So, you have to be really focused on the present moment, not what happened before”.

In the first quarterfinal of the day, Vera Zvonareva vanquished Agnieszka Radwanska 7-5, 6-3. Zvonareva’s last semifinal in Miami was in 2008.

The eight times that Zvonareva and Azarenka have played, the former has come up victorious on six occasions. What will Azarenka have to do differently? She cited “I will have to play on a high level, because she’s a very consistent player. . . I will definitely have to be aggressive and focused on my game to play forward and have fun”.