(Reuters) – Victoria Azarenka moved into the quarter-finals of the Italian Open in Rome on Friday when her opponent Daria Kasatkina injured her ankle and retired, however not earlier than the Belarusian comforted her and provided phrases of encouragement.

With the match evenly poised at 6-6 within the opening set, Kasatkina rolled her proper ankle whereas chasing a ball within the tiebreak, with Azarenka instantly dashing to her aspect to supply help.

Azarenka, 31, introduced her an ice pack and a towel earlier than serving to the Russian qualifier, who burst into tears, to her chair the place she acquired remedy.

“I am actually unhappy for Daria, as a result of we have been enjoying such nice tennis. I felt that it was such an amazing struggle,” Azarenka informed reporters after the match which had eight breaks of serve.

“She’s such a gifted participant that I felt like is at all times on the verge of type of that breakthrough the place she’s going to select it up. I felt like this was possibly nearer to be her second, so it’s extremely unlucky that she has an harm.

“I provided her my assist and my staff’s assist if she wants it. I actually hope she recovers. She’s been enjoying so superbly, so good on the courtroom, placing me in very uncomfortable conditions the place I needed to actually push myself.”

Azarenka even helped pack her opponent’s bag and kissed Kasatkina on her brow after an extended chat earlier than the tearful 23-year-old held her hand and spoke to her at size.

“She was very gracious. She stated that my comeback impressed her,” Azarenka added. “I informed her that, ‘Simply hold going. By no means suppose it is over. You’ll be able to at all times attempt more durable. Simply do one of the best out of the scenario’.

“And I feel she is going to, she’s a powerful lady. She has massive persona, I feel she’ll be high-quality.”

Azarenka will subsequent face ninth seed Garbine Muguruza, who beat Briton Johanna Konta 6-Four 6-1.

(Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru, modifying by Pritha Sarkar)