World number one Victoria Azarenka defended herself against a storm of criticism yesterday after she took a medical timeout at a crucial stage of her Australian Open semifinal defeat of teenager Sloane Stephens.

Azarenka’s surge into the final against China’s Li Na was overshadowed by a controversial 10-minute break when she left Rod Laver Arena for treatment on a rib complaint that was giving her back pains and breathing difficulties.

When she left the court, Azarenka had just blown five match points, and America’s Stephens was left waiting to serve to stay in it.

When Azarenka returned, she broke the teenager to win 6-1, 6-4 in 1hour 41minutes.

Immediately after the match, Azarenka said she had avoided “the choke of the year” and “felt a bit overwhelmed”, sparking suspicions she had called for the timeout to gather her thoughts.

Azarenka was accused of gamesmanship by respected commentator Pam Shriver and her colleague at ESPN Patrick McEnroe called it an “absolute travesty” on Twitter.

But the 23-year-old maintained the injury was legitimate.

China’s Li Na will play Victoria Azarenka in the Australian Tennis Open final tomorrow.

Li Na beat Maria Sharapova yesterday in the semifinals while Azarenka defeated Sloane Stephens.

Meanwhile, World number one Novak Djokovic is also through to the men’s final on Sunday.

The second men’s semifinal will be played today between Roger Federer and Andy Murray at 8.30 tonight.


Source: Stuff.co