Azarenka Knows She is in a New Situation at Number One

Written by: Staff on 21st February 2012

Azarenka Knows She is in a New Situation at Number One

Victoria Azarenka of Belarus falls to the ground and puts her head on the floor as she beats Maria Sharapova of Russia in their women's final match at the Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 28 January 2012. EPA/BARBARA WALTON |

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Victoria Azarenka knows she’s turned around her tennis career over the past year, winning the Australian Open and taking over No. 1. So far, the Belarus belter is also a perfect 17-0 on the season with three titles.

But as far as any comparisons to men’s 2011 dominator Novak Djokovic are concerned, those will have to wait. “Of course, it’s an honor to be compared to Novak, but I’m a long, long way from him,” said the top seed this week in Dubai. “I’m making my own way in this sport.”

Azarenka, who will play German Julia Goerges in her first round test, admits she is getting used to her now top status after beating Maria Sharapova for the Australian Open title last month and taking over the WTA top ranking from Caroline Wozniacki, “There is more attention on me as number one but I’m not letting that pressure get to me,” said the 2010 Dubai finalist whose third-round loss a year ago in the Gulf almost forced her from the game.

But a few weeks at home in Minsk with wise guidance from her mother and grandmother turned her attitude around and stared the remarkable comeback which is only growing in intensity this new season.

“At the start it was hard to think I’d won the Open. But there is a lot of hard work involved. I really think I learned a lot from some bad losses last season.

“I’ve certainly got the motivation, and my targets are the other three Grand Slams and the Olympics this season. I’m never satisfied – but in a good way.”

©”DAILY TENNIS NEWS WIRE”