Nudnida and Luksika win Japan berths

The 25-year-old Nudnida, No 219 on the WTA rankings, produced one of the biggest upsets of her career when she stunned top seed and world No 74 Johanna Larsson of Sweden 6-4 6-3.

Later, Thai No 2 Luksika, No 212, emulated Nudnida with a convincing 6-1 6-2 over third-seed Eugenie  Bouchard, the 169th ranked Canadian. It was the second time both women have fought through qualifying to book spots in the main draw, after Guangzhou three weeks ago. 

Luksika, who reached her best position of No 202 last week, said the top form she was displaying at the moment was the result of intensive exercise and weight training. 

“I have been working very hard. I wake up at six for jogging and train three times a day. The season is coming to an end and I need to get as many points as possible. I’m playing well at the moment and more consistent with my game,” said the 19-year-old Luksika who will play Mirjana Lucic of Croatia in the first round. Nudnida will meet Virginie Razzano of France while former champion Tamarine Tanasugarn, who receives a wild card, takes on former doubles partner and fifth-seed Yaroslava Zhvedova of Kazakhstan. 

 

I’m not finished yet: Azarenka

World No 1 Victoria Azarenka warned she was planning to finish her breakthrough season with a flourish after ending a seven-month win drought at the China Open. The 23-year-old from Belarus started the year with a bang by winning her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, along with trophies in Sydney, Doha and Indian Wells.

But Azarenka has repeatedly faltered at the last hurdle since, losing three finals including at last month’s US Open. On Sunday, she put her frustrations behind her with a 6-3 6-1 thumping of world No 2 Maria Sharapova to seal her fifth title this year, second only to Williams’ six. And afterwards, she said she was not finished yet.

“I have two more tournaments to play. It’s going to be about 10 more matches, so I’m looking forward to maximising that potential in all of them,” Azarenka said.