INDIAN WELLS, CA, USA – Former champion Victoria Azarenka returned to the final of the BNP Paribas Open after winning an absorbing Friday night shootout with Karolina Pliskova.

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For two sets, Azarenka was fighting for dear life just to avoid getting overwhelmed by the barrage of winners coming from Pliskova’s racquet, but by the end she had weathered the worst of the storm, finishing strongly to close out a 7-6(1), 1-6, 6-2 victory.

In the final, Azarenka will renew rivalries with World No.1 Serena Wiilliams.

“It’s been a great week, I felt I improved so much. I’ve been working hard and it’s good to see that all that work is paying off,” Azarenka said. “I tried to apply what I’m working on – sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t – but it has put me in a position to play against the best players and these are the most priceless moments for me.”

Pliskova has struggled to make an impression at tennis’ flagship events in recent years, but this week has raised her game to new levels, and for much of the opening sets against Azarenka she was unplayable.

With her serve untouchable and winners flowing off either wing, the Czech cruised to a 5-3 lead. However, Azarenka clung stubbornly to her coattails and when a chance presented itself she grabbed it with both hands, breaking back with a delightful drop shot-volley combination. She completed the smash and grab by taking a one-sided tie-break.

Pliskova responded to the setback magnificently firing down 17 winners to race through a 34-minute second set. By the start of the decider, though, her game had lost some of its zip and Azarenka capitalized ruthlessly to close out victory.

Since lifting the title at Indian Wells four years ago, injuries – of varying severity – to feet, ankles and back have seen Azarenka spending as much time on the treatment table as the court. Now with a clean bill of help, the Belarusian is intent on enjoying the ride.

“For me it’s all fun. It doesn’t matter if it’s good or bad, it’s tennis and you’re not always going to be on the up. You have to play good and stay clam – it’s important what you do when you’re down, too. I think through the experience you learn to understand that better.”