Serena fights off Azarenka, targets Sharapova

INTENSE BATTLES

Serena Williams of the U.S.A. celebrates after winning her match against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, July 7, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

Williams and Azarenka have history, although not in any sinister sense. Both are fierce fighters and have contested some intense battles down the years, including two U.S. Open finals.

Former world number one Azarenka, seeded 23 but far more dangerous than that in reality, outplayed her opponent in a superb first set, absorbing the power of the Williams arsenal and punching back some spectacular winners.

When she sealed the first set with a clean-as-a-whistle forehand pass a fourth career win from 20 matches against Williams looked not only possible, but likely.

Azarenka was fired-up and raising the decibel level.