Casey Dellacqua to Play Vika Azarenka on New Year’s Day in Australia

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 31st December 2013

Brisbane International tennis tournament

Casey Dellacqua to Play Vika Azarenka on New Year's Day in Australia

epa04003683 Australian Casey Dellacqua plays a shot during her first round match against Galina Voskoboeva of Kazakhstan at the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane, Australia, 30 December 2013. EPA/DAVE HUNT AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY |

Just after Alicia Molik became the show stopper at the Australian Open and before Jelena Dokic wowed the crowds at Rod Laver Arena, the quiet lefthander Casey Dellacqua raised the roof, coming out of nowhere in 2008 to reach the fourth round, upsetting No. 15 Patty Schnyder and No. 1 Amelie Mauresmo before going down to No. 3 Jelena Jankovic.

Dellacqua has had an up and down career since then, somewhat due to debilitating injuries, but she regained confidence in 2013 on the doubles court when she and her teenage partner Ashleigh Barty reached three Grand Slam finals.

But even though she is ranked No.142, the 28, she has not given up on her singles career. She is a mother now and the bread earner in her family. Having to help her partner Amanda take care of their baby son, Blake, has given her a new perspective on life and her career. She says that being a parent has made her more content.

“At the end of the day, whether I win or lose, I walk off and get to go home to my wonderful family,” she said. I’m very lucky in that respect. It’s one of the things I don’t feel pressure in the sense I have to support them anymore. I’ve had a successful career today, and I’m now out here and just I want to make him proud. If he gets the opportunity to watch me one day or not, I’ve given it everything. Yeah, I’m very grateful, and we are very grateful for him. It’s not a bad thing. “

While she and Amanda’s lives revolve around the baby during many hours of the day, she is also cognizant to be a successful player that she has to make sure to take care of her athletic needs. That means practicing, focusing on fitness and making sure she gets enough rest.

“I’m very lucky I have a very supportive partner, Amanda. She does most of the yuck night feeds,” Dellacqua said after she beat Galina Voskoboeva 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 in Brisbane. “Last night I slept 12 hours. I got up 6:00 AM and took him for a walk so she could get a few more hours. She’s not playing obviously. But I’m very lucky I have that support. We’ll travel with my mom or some other family on the road so that we have extra help on the road as well. I’m not going to deny it. It’s not going to be easy. But I want my family with me. That’s what I want, so we’ll make it work.”

Even though she has struggled in singles, the Aussie tennis crowds still seem familiar -with Dellacqua and will try and lift her to what would be a huge upset of two-time defending Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka on New Year’s Day. The cagey performer is counting on it.

“The crowd will certainly be hoping for some good tennis,” she said. You know, hopefully they’ll obviously be for me more than for her.

I’m very excited with the thought of playing someone like Vika just to really see where I’m at. Obviously she’s definitely probably one of the best in the world. It’ll be another test for me and another challenge. I’m looking forward to it. I’ve played some ITFs, but this is what you play for. You play to play on the show courts and play with the best players in the world.”

Topics: 10sballs, Alicia Molik, Amelie Mauresmo, Ashleigh Barty, Australian Open, Brisbane, Casey Dellacqua, Itf, Jelena Jankovic, Rod Laver, Sports, Tennis, Tennis News, Victoria Azarenka