Williams Defeats Azarenka in Indian Wells Masters Second Round

In a challenging season for Williams, her performance at the Indian Wells Masters highlighted both her competitive spirit and the physical toll of the sport. After a hard-fought victory against Azarenka in the second round, Williams faced a setback due to a viral illness that forced her to retire from the tournament. This incident was compounded by a recurrence of a long-standing knee injury, which ultimately led to her withdrawal from subsequent events in Miami and Rome. The impact of these health issues was significant, as they hindered her ability to train effectively, resulting in a lack of preparation for the French Open, where she was eliminated in the third round. Despite these challenges, Williams managed to improve her ranking to No. 11, demonstrating her resilience and determination to remain competitive on the tour.