Azarenka V. - Inoue H.

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Azarenka vs Inoue — US Open 1R Preview

WTA US Open Hard Court Round 1

🧠 Form & Context

Victoria Azarenka (No. 133, age 36)

• 🇧🇾 Former world No. 1 and multiple US Open finalist (2012, 2013, 2020).
• 📉 2025 struggles: 9–11 W/L; no back‑to‑back wins outside qualifying runs.
• ❌ Slam form: 1R losses at AO & Wimbledon; only one win at Roland Garros.
• 🏟️ US Open pedigree: 16–1 in R1 matches here (only loss to Sabalenka in 2019).
• ⚠️ Outside the top 100 for the first time since her comeback, but experience is unmatched.

Hina Inoue (No. 218, age 22)

• 🇺🇸 Grand Slam main‑draw debut after qualifying without dropping a set.
• 📈 2025 record: 30–19 overall (28–14 on hard); multiple ITF titles this season.
• 💡 Strengths: Steady baseline game; strong composure throughout qualies.
• ⚠️ Weakness: Limited main‑tour reps; biggest‑stage test to date.

📊 Head‑to‑Head: First meeting.

🔍 Match Breakdown

Azarenka’s first‑strike patterns—deep returns, early takes on the rise, and line changes—still buy her cheap points. The problem this season has been keeping the level: spurts of brilliance followed by dips in first‑serve %, rally tolerance, and footwork intensity.

Inoue brings discipline and clean shape off both wings, built on patience rather than raw pace. That can frustrate if Vika’s depth drops. But if Azarenka lands serves and pins Inoue behind the baseline, exchanges stay short and scoreboard pressure flips quickly.

Intangibles matter: Inoue will enjoy local support, yet Azarenka’s New York muscle memory—how to manage momentum swings, how to close—remains a trump card in tight moments.

🔮 Prediction

The qualifier can keep this sticky with lengthened rallies, but pedigree and pattern weight lean Vika. Expect an edgy start, then a steadier finish from the veteran.

Pick: Azarenka in two tight sets.

📊 Tale of the Tape (Qualitative)

• Form trend: Vika inconsistent but higher ceiling; Inoue steady from qualies.
• Weapons: Edge Azarenka on first‑strike return and line hitting.
• Rally tolerance: Inoue can extend; Vika must protect short points.
• Big‑match reps: Strong Azarenka edge in Slam & USO experience.
• Nerves factor: Debut jitters for Inoue vs. Vika’s NYC comfort.