The title for the Australian Open will be contested by two underdogs. Yes, underdogs! No one really talked up Li Na as a legitimate threat down under, but with a spectacular run she has found herself in the finals. The surprise might actually be the #1 ranked player in the world making it to the finals. Victoria Azarenka was not the oddsmakers bet to make it all the way through as she was in Serena's half of the draw. When the young American, Sloane Stephens, came away with the surprise of the tournament by taking out her idol Serena, Azarenka's chances to take home her second Aussie title increased exponentially. Let's take a look at the two players, observe their head-to-head, analyze their games, and pick a 2013 Australian Open winner.
The Players
Vika comes off 2012 as the number 1 player in the world, at least in the rankings. She made Melbourne the site of her first major and is looking to repeat. Last year saw Azarenka take home six singles titles, going 69-10. Her road to the finals has been relatively easy with all matches going two sets with the exception of one hiccup versus Jamie Hampton. Li Na comes off a solid 2012 where she took home the Rogers Cup and a 42-17 record. She has rolled through her competition as she hasn't dropped a set in the tournament. In the semis, she took out, arguably the hottest player in Sharapova 6-2, 6-2. The popular Chinese player will be looking to win her second major of her career against a player who she has beaten four times.
The Matchup
Vika has had the best of Li Na for the most part. She edges the charismatic veteran 5-4 in head-to-head matches winning the past four matches; three out of the four on hard court. The Chinese national had her success against the Bulgarian early in their meetings, winning four matches in their first five meetings. These two have played one previous match down under with Vikka winning in 2011 in two straight sets; arguably the easiest match in their head-to-head. In the next major, Li Na took her revenge on Azarenka beating her at Roland Garros. This put her in route to her first and only major. Overall, this matchup has been a close one with Azarenka taking 12 out of the 22 sets they have played.
The Prediction
Expect a tight match Saturday night! Both players will be looking for their second major title, but both have different motivation. Azarenka wants validation as the best player in the world, while the veteran Li Na will be motivated to have another chance at a major, as she knows they are tough to come by. Vikka has been close to unstoppable against all of the WTA minus one player, Serena. With her out of the tournament, thanks to Sloane Stephens, I see Vikka taking her second Aussie title and major.
Prediction: Azaranka 6-4, 7-5
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