New mum Azarenka steps up title bid

AFP, LONDON: Victoria Azarenka stepped up her bid to become the first mother to win Wimbledon in 37 years as the former world number one defeated Russian 15th seed Elena Vesnina on Wednesday.

Azarenka cruised to a 6-3, 6-3 victory in the second round of her first Grand Slam since taking a year off to have her first child in December.

In just her second tournament following son Leo's birth, the 27-year-old Belarusian hopes to become the first mother to lift the Wimbledon women's singles trophy since Evonne Goolagong in 1980.

Only Goolagong, Margaret Court and Kim Clijsters have won a Grand Slam singles title after having a child.

Having been made to wait around all day to play her first round match against CiCi Bellis on Monday, Azarenka had complained that the scheduling wasn't helpful for a new mum.

All England Club officials heeded her advice and Azarenka was given the opening match on Court Three.

Vesnina reached the Wimbledon semi-finals last year, but Azarenka, a two-time Australian Open champion, extended her winning streak against the Russian to eight matches with a powerful performance.

Azarenka, twice a Wimbledon semi-finalist, will play British wild card Heather Watson for a place in the last 16.

Earlier on Tuesday, Roger Federer pleaded with Grand Slams not to be panicked into reducing matches to best-of-three sets after injured players were accused of taking the money and running.

Federer reached the Wimbledon second round when Alexandr Dolgopolov quit when trailing 6-3, 3-0 after just 43 minutes on Centre Court complaining of an ankle injury. Earlier, title rival Novak Djokovic booked his second round spot in just 40 minutes when Martin Klizan, suffering from a calf injury, retired at 6-3, 2-0 down.

It meant that the Centre Court crowd had seen just 83 minutes of action involving the two men who have won 10 Wimbledon titles between them.

“I feel for the crowd," said Federer. "They're there to watch good tennis.”

Seven men have retired from the first round -- on Monday, Victor Troicki quit after just 20 minutes.

That brief stay was beaten on Tuesday when Serb compatriot Janko Tipsaervic quit his match after 15 minutes.

First round losers all receive £35,000 ($45,220).

“I hope it doesn't happen. But I believe that more players clearly would finish their matches," said Federer who is bidding for a record eighth Wimbledon title.

New mum Azarenka steps up title bid

AFP, LONDON: Victoria Azarenka stepped up her bid to become the first mother to win Wimbledon in 37 years as the former world number one defeated Russian 15th seed Elena Vesnina on Wednesday. Azarenka cruised to a 6-3, 6-3 victory in the second round of her first Grand Slam since taking a year off to have her first child in December. In just her second tournament following son Leos birth, the 27-year-old Belarusian hopes to become the first mother to lift the Wimbledon womens singles trophy since Evonne Goolagong in 1980. Only Goolagong, Margaret Court and Kim Clijsters have won a Grand Slam singles title after having a child. Having been made to wait around all day to play her first round match against CiCi Bellis on Monday, Azarenka had complained that the scheduling wasnt helpful for a new mum. All England Club officials heeded her advice and Azarenka was given the opening match on Court Three. Vesnina reached the Wimbledon semi-finals last year, but Azarenka, a two-time Australian Open champion, extended her winning streak against the Russian to eight matches with a powerful performance. Azarenka, twice a Wimbledon semi-finalist, will play British wild card Heather Watson for a place in the last 16. Earlier on Tuesday, Roger Federer pleaded with Grand Slams not to be panicked into reducing matches to best-of-three sets after injured players were accused of taking the money and running. Federer reached the Wimbledon second round when Alexandr Dolgopolov quit when trailing 6-3, 3-0 after just 43 minutes on Centre Court complaining of an ankle injury. Earlier, title rival Novak Djokovic booked his second round spot in just 40 minutes when Martin Klizan, suffering from a calf injury, retired at 6-3, 2-0 down. It meant that the Centre Court crowd had seen just 83 minutes of action involving the two men who have won 10 Wimbledon titles between them. I feel for the crowd, said Federer. Theyre there to watch good tennis. Seven men have retired from the first round -- on Monday, Victor Troicki quit after just 20 minutes. That brief stay was beaten on Tuesday when Serb compatriot Janko Tipsaervic quit his match after 15 minutes. First round losers all receive 35,000 ($45,220). I hope it doesnt happen. But I believe that more players clearly would finish their matches, said Federer who is bidding for a record eighth Wimbledon title.