Azarenka Building Her Confidence For Upcoming Tennis Events

Written by: Staff on 13th February 2013

Azarenka Building Her Confidence For Upcoming Tennis Events

epa03557496 Victoria Azarenka of Belarus holds the winner's trophy during a photo opportunity after her win over Li Na of China in the women's singles final match, at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 27 January 2012. EPA/JOE CASTRO AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT |

Victoria Azarenka suffered much criticism on her route to retaining the Australian Open title last month. So the world no.1 has decided to indulge in a little self-congratulations as she sets out on her mission to maintain top spot in Doha, Qatar with both Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova threatening her position.

Azarenka was widely accused of gamesmanship in her Melbourne Park win over Sloane Stephens while the many other critics insisted her final victory over Li Na was devalued by the Chinese injuring an ankle.

But Azarenka felt the need to state her own case before another title defense at the Total Qatar Open and insisted there was no sense of incredulity over what she’s achieved. “ I worked really hard to achieve those goals. No, I’m not surprised.”

Speaking to The Peninsula, Azarenka looked back on a year at the top in which apart from the two Australian titles, she went 26 matches without defeat at the beginning of 2012, won a gold medal at Mixed Doubles and a Bronze at singles at the London Olympic Games in August 2012, reached the final of the US Open, and ended the year with a 69–10 win-loss record and six singles titles as well as a prize fund of close to $US 8 million.

“That’s what I dream about,” maintained the 23 year-old from Belarus. “That’s what I want to achieve. That’s what I practice for. So, no, it’s no surprise for me. I try to write my own script, my own story, not letting anybody else define the player who I am.”

And why had she been so successful? “It’s a combination of a lot of things: determination, hard work, talent, and really wanting to do well,” answered Azarenka.

“At this level, there is so much more attention to paying details because everybody knows how to run, how to play tennis, how to serve, how to return. It’s the moment where you really need to bring your heart, your ‘A’ game. That’s what defines the best player.

“I think I learned this over the years and there is a lot of time to improve. With all the experience, I really give myself a chance to learn and to improve. Not only tennis wise but physically, mentally.”

Azarenka is prepared for a potential final showdown with Serena Williams, where the no.1 ranking is set to be on the line. But she said: “For me It doesn’t matter if I have to play Serena in any tournament. I would love to play her on any given day. I think she is a great champion and a great challenge to have.

“If it happens here, it happens here, and if it happens any other week, it’s another week. I’m just looking forward to accepting any challenge that is thrown at me.”

©Daily Tennis News Wire

Topics: Doha tennis news, Li Na, Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams, Sports, Tennis News, Victoria Azarenka, WTA tennsi news