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What's at stake for four San Jose quarterfinalists

Azarenka, Venus, Konta and Tomljanovic can make a big statement t

ByVan Sias

Published Aug 03, 2018

With all of the upsets and withdrawals at this week’s WTA Premier tournament in San Jose, Calif., opportunity abounds for the remaining players left in the draw.

Three of them, in particular, will be looking to turn around their 2018 campaigns, while another will try to reach a career highlight.

Here’s a look at what’s at stake for some of the WTA’s biggest stars.

1

Johanna Konta

Ranking: No. 48

Best 2018 Finish: Nottingham finalist

Quarterfinal Opponent: Elise Mertens (4)

The Story: Konta’s post-Wimbledon 2017 slump carried over into this year, and save for a final-round appearance in Nottingham, England, a couple of months ago, 2018 has been largely forgettable. Her performance this week, though, has been quite memorable: The 2016 champion has yet to drop a set, with a first-round romp over Serena Williams being an immediate highlight.

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1

Ajla Tomljanovic

Ranking: No. 65

Best 2018 Finish: Rabat finalist

Quarterfinal Opponent: Mihaela Buzarnescu

The Story: After a major shoulder injury in 2016, Tomljanovic has demonstrated the power of perseverance the past couple of years as she’s worked her way back into the Top 70 in the rankings. A semifinal appearance at such a prestigious tournament would be one of the best results of her career.

3

Venus Williams (3)

Ranking: No. 14

Best 2018 Finish: Indian Wells semifinalist

Quarterfinal Opponent: Maria Sakkari

The Story: In 2017, Williams added to her Hall of Fame resume with runner-up finishes at the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the WTA Championships. Her follow-up campaign hasn’t gone as planned. If she’s going to make a turnaround, this is the tournament to do it: For 20 years now, she’s had success at this event and has the opportunity to make her ninth final.

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4

Victoria Azarenka

Ranking: No. 108

Best 2018 Finish: Miami semifinalist

Quarterfinal Opponent: Danielle Collins

The Story: With all that she’s gone through off the court, Azarenka has been unable to sustain any momentum this year. Traditionally, the two-time Australian Open winner and US Open runner-up is at her best on hard courts, and her run this week would be the perfect confidence builder for a successful summer run.

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Follow Van on Twitter: @Van_Sias