“As long as I can keep my feet grounded and my head clear”: Azarenka on chances of reaching first Australian Open Quarter-Final in seven years
WTA
After a
great victory on the second round over the Argentinian Nadia Podoroska by 6-1,
6-0, Victoria Azarenka had to face the 10th seed Madison Keys at the Australian Open.
The
Belarusian managed to overcome the service of the American, who considerably
lowered her level after taking the first set. The final score was 1-6, 6-2, 6-1
for the two-time Australian Open winner.
Despite the
difficult start to the match, the current 24th in the world remained calm and
managed to pull off a tough match: “I kept looking at my coach a little bite,
not too much, but like he’s going to tell me something magical and all of a
sudden everything I going to change. But I told myself, nobody’s going to play
for you, you just got to go out and do what you believe is right.”
The former
world No. 1 anticipated her next match in the fourth round, against Chinese player
Lin Zhu, and the importance of experience gained during her career: “(the match)
is bigger on paper. I’m sure I’ll have feelings, okay, it’s fourth round, it’s
a step closer. But I do want to use that experienced.”
“It’s a
long road. I’m aware of that. As long as I can keep my feet grounded and my
head clear, that’s all it is. But is tempting to think that way, for sure”.
After an outstanding
overcoming, Azarenka was asked if she took inspiration from Andy Murray's match
the day before: “I take inspiration from anything really. I respect Andy and
his grit. It’s very impressive to see how hard he works for what he is.”
“Sometimes
question why he does it. I’m not going to lie. I’m like: ‘You’ve got
everything. You have kids at home. Why are you still like last year going to
Challengers? But it’s his way of doing it.”
Both former
world No. 1 have in common that they must balance their lives as parents and
professional tennis players: “We were training in the same place actually in
the off-season, and I saw how hard he worked. It’s definitely impressive.”
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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