Azarenka Is Ready To Play

Written by: Staff on 11th January 2013

Azarenka Is Ready To Play

epa03527504 Victoria Azarenka, from Belarus, dances as she practices at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia, 08 January 2013. Some players have arrived in Melbourne for the Australian Open Tennis Tournament, the first Grand Slam of the year, which commences on 14 January 2013. EPA/JULIAN SMITH AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT |

Victoria Azarenka is fit to take her place at the top of the draw at the Australian Open, with the No. 1 confirming that the toe infection from her pedicure-gone-wrong is now almost fully healed.

“I’m feeling really good, and if you’re asking about my foot, it’s feeling much better over the last couple of days,”said the Belarus player. “The scary part is in the past as it happened in Brisbane (last week). I’m really glad, I can practise full time right now.”

Along with the rest of the world tennis elite, Azarenka has been getting accustomed to the courts and the changeable Melbourne weather, which has gone from the 40s Celsius to the low 20s and back again all in the space of a week.

But nothing will distract Azarenka from getting on with the defence of her only Grand Slam title which she claimed a year ago. “My approach to this year is the same as every year. I try to do my best; you set up priorities and goals for the tournaments.

“I don’t really want to defend anything, I’m here to try and win another title. My main focus and attention will be on the Grand Slams.

“The season has started already and the Grand Slam season starts here right now. I think women’s tennis is great, competitive atmosphere right now… There are a lot of girls who can show some great tennis.

“I’m very excited to be a part of this competition. As for who I have my eyes on: top ten and the rest of the players are the ones to watch for. I’ll be looking forward to whoever I play (Romanian Monica Niculescu) in the first round.”