Azarenka sets up dream women’s final

Former world No.1 and two-time Australian Open winner Victoria Azarenka beat Czech Karolina Pliskova to advance to the BNP Paribas Open final.

The 13th seed prevailed 7-6(1) 1-6 6-2 in the second women’s semifinal to set up a mouthwatering clash on the final Sunday against top seed and world No.1 Serena Williams.

Despite serving five double faults in the opening set, and a poor second set, Azarenka downed the 18th seed Pliskova for the chance of a second title this year and a return to the top 10.

“It definitely was a tough battle,” Azarenka said.

“I’m glad I stayed strong and stayed cool and calm and tried to find a way in the third set to take control.

“I worked so hard this week to put myself in a position to play the best player in the world.

Earlier, Williams overcame a sluggish start to beat Agnieszka Radwanska in straight sets and reach her first final at Indian Wells since 2001.

The American was 4-2 down in the opening set and not moving freely in her semifinal, but triumphed 6-4 7-6(1).

Williams found her rhythm and won four straight games to claim the set, then continued her run in the second to win the opening three games before her Polish opponent fought back.

Radwanska displayed the tennis that will elevate her to No.2 in Monday’s new world rankings, winning the next three games to get the set back on serve.

The Pole had a chance to win just her second career set against Williams when she broke to lead 6-5, but could not close out.

Williams then erased any Radwanska hopes of claiming a first victory over the American, winning seven straight points to take the tiebreaker 7-1.

She improved to 10-0 in their head-to-head battles.

“I think it was really good for me to have a match like that and I think that’s the reason Aga is doing so well, because she never gave up,” Williams said.

“I was up so much in the second and she just came back and was determined more than ever, so it was really good to play well against her tonight.

“I could have played three sets but I figured I should at least do 1000 per cent right now. That’s what I tried to do.”

Williams won in 1999 and 2001 at Indian Wells, before a self-imposed 14-year exile from the event amid allegations of racial abuse from fans after sister Venus withdrew minutes before their semifinal showdown.

Fifteen years later, she feels the love.

“I had a lot of support, I heard a lot of ‘Go Serenas’ and that was kind of cool,” Williams said.

“This year has been great. It feels so great to be supported. It’s been a great comeback here in Indian Wells, so I’m excited about that.”