But Azarenka broke back and the intense game reached a crucial seventh game, with Azarenka serving at 3-3. Ten deuces and several break points came and went, before an ace from the former World No. 1 ensured that she held before prevailing in the controversial ninth game.
Down 5-6 and facing two match points, a frustrated Ostapenko sent a smash into the net to hand victory to Azarenka, who praised her fiery opponent after the match.
“With Jelena, sometimes you have to put on a helmet and try to stay in there,” Azarenka said in her on-court interview. “She has proved she can beat anyone on any given day. She makes you fight for every point, she was blasting returns, blasting winners. The quality of tennis was incredible, so to be able to go through … I’m very proud.”