Updated On: 25 January, 2023 10:53 AM IST | Melbourne | AFP
Former champion Azarenka recalls feeling lost and surviving panic attacks as she stuns third seed Jessica Pegula 6-4, 6-1; to play Elena Rybakina in semis

Victoria Azarenka returns to Jessica Pegula during their quarter-finals in Melbourne yesterday. Pics/AFP, Getty Images
Victoria Azarenka reached her first Australian Open semi-final since winning the title in 2013, then opened up on Tuesday about overcoming “anxiety” and “fears of failing” on court. The Belarusian, who won back-to-back Australian Opens in 2012 and 2013, knocked out third seed Jessica Pegula 6-4, 6-1 on Tuesday.
The 24th seed outlasted her American opponent in a marathon 64-minute first set before running away with the second to set up a last-four encounter against Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina at Melbourne Park.