At 33 years of age, Victoria Azarenka had to come back from Lin Zhu to qualify for the quarterfinals of the Open the Australia 2023. The Belarusian player knows what it is to achieve the greatest success in the first Grand Slam of the season. This was the case 10 and 11 years ago, events that Azarenka does not think about to gain confidence. Victoria spoke at a press conference about her feelings during her round of 16 duel, her fears and about her next rival, Jessica Pegula.
Victory suffered before Lin Zhu
“It was a very physical game, with a lot of rallying. It was very difficult for me to find out how my opponent was playing. I saw a little of his tennis before, but today I felt that bullets were coming from all angles, in the race, from the bottom line or touching the net. Everything went in. It was a bit frustrating for me, I’m not going to lie. I probably didn’t show it, but I was kind of upset because when was he going to go my way?
At one point I had to tell myself to stop thinking about what she was doing, really focus on myself, what I can do and control. I can’t control the winners of her or that she plays amazing. In the second set I started to play better, and in the third the changes in momentum dominated. I am very happy that I was able to turn this around. Today was very important to me,” Vika explained to the media.
The physical, one of his fears
“I feel quite good physically, let’s touch wood. I have worked very hard in the preseason. I always do, but I felt like I pushed myself beyond the limit I normally go to. Honestly, I was very afraid of failing physically, of not being able to finish certain things. My ego hurts a lot if I can’t complete something.
This season I worked on giving 100% and being okay with that if it’s not enough, work from there. I think that helps me physically, having that preseason experience. That also gives me confidence whatever the score, if I have to play three hours, I’ll do it.”
Winner at Melbourne Park in 2012 and 2013
“I made history. My name will always be on the wall. I don’t really look back and think about what I’ve done. I try to create new memories. I live in the moment, sometimes I focus too much on the future, being too optimistic. I had rough roads both times.”
About her next opponent: Jessica Pegula
“She is an incredible player, with stability and consistency in recent years. She beat me here so I want a rematch. She is a great friend, I absolutely adore her. We always have great battles. She will be many exchanges, the ball will be low. She would say that she plays it pretty simple, which is a compliment. It’s easy to be flashy, but not so easy to find consistency and simplicity. A player with a different style. I feel like Jess resembles Ashleigh Barty to some degree.”
