"Anywhere closer, I would probably cry": Azarenka takes hilarious pitch side selfie with Messi as stars come out for first Inter Miami match featuring Argentine hero
WTA
Former world number one Belarus’ Victoria Azarenka posted a
hilarious pitch side picture with Argentina’s legendary footballer Lionel
Messi.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has been a centre of
attraction after his recent move to the United States where he has joined the
Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise Inter Miami.
A host of stars from different sections of life turned up
to watch the little magician showcasing his talent on the pitch in front of thousands.
One of those was the 33-year-old Azarenka who posted a
hilarious pitch side picture with the 36-year-old on her official Twitter
account.
“My selfie with Messi, my face, anywhere closer than that i
would probably/most likely cry” she tweeted.
On the court of play, Azarenka will be hoping to return to
winning ways after a rather disappointing end to Wimbledon 2023 where she was knocked
out of the competition after losing to Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina with a score
of 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 in the fourth round.
The Minsk-born player will be hoping that the recent break from
tennis will help her freshen up and prepare for the last Grand Slam of the year
— the US Open.
Azarenka has an impressive record while playing in
Washington where she has finished runner-up three times—in 2012 (lost to
America’s Serena Williams with a score of 6–2, 2–6, 7–5), 2013 (lost to
Williams against with a score of 7–5, 6–7(6–8), 6–1) and 2020 (lost Naomi Osaka
of Japan with a score of 1–6, 6–3, 6–3).
Azeem Siddiqui is a seasoned sports journalist and data analyst with a strong background in both digital media and live sports production.
He began his journalism career working with partners of The New York Times and has since contributed to several leading international sports publications, including Fox Sports Asia, Calciomercato, and GiveMeSport. Since 2023, Azeem has been part of the TennisUpToDate team, where he has played a key role in sustaining the platform’s growth and ensuring tennis fans receive timely and reliable coverage of the sport’s biggest stories.
In addition to his editorial work, Azeem has extensive experience as a data analyst in live sports broadcasting—particularly in cricket—where he combines analytical precision with creative storytelling. He has collaborated with multiple production companies and cricket boards worldwide, delivering real-time insights and data-driven narratives during live match coverage.
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