Bartoli Snaps Azarenka Streak

© Getty ImagesMarion Bartoli advances to the semi-finals.

Victoria Azarenka’s undefeated season came to an end Wednesday evening at the Sony Ericsson Open, as seventh seed Marion Bartoli defeated the World No. 1 6-3, 6-3 to reach the semi-finals at Crandon Park.

"I think the main key for me was to step up on the court trying to win the match, not only thinking about how well she's playing and everything, but really go on the court, having a game plan and try to go for my shots," said Bartoli. "It was a very demanding match on the fitness side. I think I had to really run a lot, especially from side to side. She's playing extremely early and really put a lot of pressure on you. So I really had to work very hard into the points and stay tough physically. But at the end, I'm so happy I was able to do it."

Bartoli won 64 per cent of her second serve return points, and capitalized on six of 10 break point opportunities to secure just her third win in 11 meetings with the Belarusian, snapping Azarenka’s 26-match win streak.

"What I've done in the last couple of months, I have to be really proud of myself," said Azarenka. I could have maybe played better today, that's for sure, but I gave it all I had. But Marion played really well today, and she deserves the win. What else can I say? I have to look forward."

The Frenchwoman is looking to win her first title of the season, having reached the final at the Paris Indoors (l. to Kerber). She is through to the Miami final four for the second time (2010) and will aim to reach her first final at the WTA Premier Mandatory event when she plays fifth seed Agnieszka Radwanska.

"She has been extremely consistent [for] a while now," Bartoli said. "I know I will have to run a lot, a lot more forward, because I know she's going to make a lot of drop shots. I'm going to be ready."