Williams survives major quarterfinal scare at Australian Open to beat Azarenka

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Williams survives major scare at Australian Open

MELBOURNE, Australia — Serena Williams has survived a major scare — down a set and 4-0 in the second — to advance to the semifinals of the Australian Open with a 4-6, 7-6 (4), 6-2 win over Victoria Azarenka.

Venus Williams wasn’t so fortunate, losing her quarterfinal match to Li Na a few hours earlier on the same Rod Laver Arena court to end any chances of an all-sister semifinal. Serena will play Li in the semis.

Last year, Azarenka played eventual champion Serena Williams in the fourth round here but the Belarussian player, dizzy and in tears, had to retire in the second set.