French Open 2021: Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova beats Victoria Azarenka to reach French Open last eight in Paris

ByIbrahim Mustapha

Published 06/06/2021 at 13:51 GMT

Azarenka started the brighter of the two with the Belarusian taking the first set before her opponent battled back to reach the quarter finals at Roland Garros for the first time since 2011. The Russian will now face the winner of Serena Williams and Elena Rybakina. You can watch the French Open on Eurosport, eurosport.co.uk and the Eurosport app.

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova is through to the quarter finals of the French Open after fighting back from a set down to beat Victoria Azarenka 5-7, 6-3, 6-2.

The Russian is into the last eight at Roland Garros for the first time since 2011 as she chases a first ever Grand Slam title.

Following her stunning win over Aryna Sabalenka in the previous round, Pavlyuchenkova again defied the odds with another impressive display on Phillipe Chatrier.

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15th seed Azarenka started the brighter of the two, breaking her opponent in the 11th game of the first set to take it 7-5.

However, Pavlyuchenkova took control after a crucial break to go 5-3 up before serving out the second set.

An out of sorts Azarenka failed to find her groove and after being broken in the first game of the decider the writing was on the wall.

Despite the Belarusian breaking back immediately, she was unable to take advantage as Pavlyuchenkova went on a 5-game run from 2-1 down to win the match in convincing fashion.

The 29-year-old will be eyeing a first ever semi-final in Paris and will face the winner of the clash between 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams and 21st seed Elena Rybakina.

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Watch all the action from the 2021 French Open live on Eurosport, eurosport.co.uk and the Eurosport app with 13-time champion Rafael Nadal eyeing a remarkable 14th title and 2020 Roland Garros sensation Iga Swiatek aiming to replicate her stunning triumph.

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