Tennis-Azarenka overcomes qualifier Krunic to reach quarters

Victoria Azarenka of Belarus celebrates defeating Aleksandra Krunic of Serbia in their women's singles match at the 2014 U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, September 1, 2014. REUTERS/Adam Hunger

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Twice Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka overcame an inspired challenge from qualifier Aleksandra Krunic of Serbia 4-6 6-4 6-4 on Monday to advance to the quarter-finals of the U.S. Open.

Azarenka, who began the year as world number two and slipped to a 16th seed after dealing with foot and knee injuries, took a 3-0 lead in the first set before the 21-year-old Serb, ranked 145th, roared back and claimed the set.