SANTA PONSA, June 22, 2017

Croatian teenager Ana Konjuh celebrated one of the most special wins of her career, beating former World No. 1 Victoria Azarenka 6-1, 6-3 in the second round of the WTA Mallorca Open on Thursday.

The 19-year-old won 65 per cent of her first service points and broke serve five times to advance in one hour and 11 minutes.

“I know Azarenka is coming back, but it’s always tough to play against her,” said Konjuh, who finished runner-up at the 2012 Wimbledon junior’s championships and also won the doubles title. “She’s one of the best players in the world. I was motivated for sure, and I’m really glad that I could play so well today and win.”

After more than one year away from competition, Azarenka returned from maternity leave and earned a tight first round win over Japanese Risa Ozaki on Wednesday.

“I am disappointed, but she started very well,” Azarenka told. “I wasn’t able to capitalize on my chances. I still need to work hard to return to the tour in the best possible way.”

In her fifth quarterfinal of the season, Konjuh will take on second seeded Latvian Anastasija Sevastova in the next round for a spot in the stage of the final four.