Narrow Escape: Azarenka Survives Hampton In Three at the Australian Open

The world #1 had plenty to ponder today as she faced an American underdog. Sharpening her skills by leaps and bounds of late, Jamie Hampton had reached the third round of a major for the first time.  The 23-year-old American faced world #1 Victoria Azarenka there in a match that looked lopsided on paper but became much closer in reality.  Battling the defending champion at the Australian Open with confidence, Hampton succumbed 6-4 4-6 6-2 only after a three-set match of greater quality on both sides than much of the women’s first week. Having won just a single game from Sharapova here last year, Hampton needed a more positive start to keep her spirits high.  She showed off a greatly improved forehand over the first several points, although Azarenka displayed her athleticism in ranging to her right to cut off what looked like a winner and redirect it down the line for a winner of her own.  Still, Hampton impressed with her commitment to dictating play behind that shot, which sent an ...