TENNIS US OPEN – 1st of September 2014. V. Azarenka d. A. Krunic 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. An interview with Victoria Azarenka
Q. That was I think one of the best women’s matches that we’ve seen so far this week.
VICTORIA AZARENKA: Thank you.
Q. A tough fight from both sides. Curious if you were surprised about what Krunic was able to do, or impressed? That was the first time you played her. I don’t know if you saw her much before.
VICTORIA AZARENKA: I haven’t watched, so obviously I didn’t have a lot of data on her or, you know, much of an idea. I think she played exceptionally well today. I’m not sure if I would have watched the matches before that would help me a lot, I think because I felt like not knowing much she still played on a really high level and pretty consistent through the whole match. She gave a fight, and she wasn’t afraid to go big on the important moments. I was a little bit surprised that she’s not that tall, and she hits the ball and unleashes her forehand with so much power. So that was quite surprising. But, you know, I think she’s a young player. She has a good future if she keeps going this way.
Q. What do you think you have proven to yourself about the physical ailments you have overcome and in gaining confidence as you have advanced?
VICTORIA AZARENKA: Proving to myself?
Q. Yes, because when you have physical problems you have to get back to a certain stage. How have you done that and what have you shown yourself?
VICTORIA AZARENKA: I just really try to focus on, you know, each day at a time. I don’t look back of how tough it was. I just try to make the best out of that situation. I have been working really hard on my body and try to come back stronger than I was before, so I feel that I’m still in the process. But I’m glad that I’m making this run to create myself opportunities to have, you know, competition, endurance, get match after match after match in a Grand Slam, you know, on such a high level. So it’s a great achievement. But in terms of, you know, body, what did I do, is just really try to stay positive and work hard. That’s a simple answer. I don’t think there is much of a magic happening unless you just put all the chances on your side to try to do your best.
Q. What have you enjoyed the most during this tournament so far in the way you’ve played given what you’ve suffered?
VICTORIA AZARENKA: You’re making it sound like I went through, I don’t know, that I almost died and, you know, there was 10 sharks and I got attacked and I survived. And, you know, I saved a dolphin, as well. It’s not that complicated, really. You know, what I enjoy is to play tennis. To be talking about what happened with my injuries, I mean, it’s useless already. Really what I want to do is to focus on the moment and, you know, just leave this moment, enjoy this moment because I really do, and try to make the best out of this particular moment. What happened in the past, you know, I ain’t got no genie in the bottle to wish what could I do in the past.
Q. Just going back to the recent past, the match that just finished, you know, you were happy at the end that you won. There were moments of frustration kind of during the match. I’m curious about some of that frustration. I know are they’re intense and emotional and all that.But in terms of the frustration, how much of it was what she was doing, like getting back tons of balls? How much of it you didn’t feel like you were kind of hitting maybe quite as well? What was the balance between what she was sort of doing and what you were maybe struggling to do?
VICTORIA AZARENKA: I mean, it kind of comes together, you know. She obviously brings a lot of balls and she makes you go sometimes for extra shots. I didn’t feel so much frustration. I just wanted to push myself to be doing the right thing. The only thing I was frustrated is because I kept putting my butt back, like, I mean, I wouldn’t follow the ball. That was the frustrating part, that I kept doing the same thing. But I think that’s what she does with her game to really push — for yourself to find an opportunity and go for it. I think in the second set I have done that and in the third set I have done that to break her and really take the lead.
Q. You mentioned that not a lot of people have won the girls’ and the women’s singles. Why do you think that is? Are the skills that different, to win the two events?
VICTORIA AZARENKA: Do you really want me to answer that question?
Q. Honest answer.
VICTORIA AZARENKA: But you don’t have like a perspective on that question? Like the juniors and the pros? It’s whole different world. Like really, it’s a whole different world. Mentality, the preparation, the physical aspect, I think is just night and day.Q. One of your favorite subjects is Gaël Monfils. How would you describe what it’s like to watch him play?
VICTORIA AZARENKA: I think he’s one of the best entertainers in tennis. I think it’s so amazing to watch him play. Sometimes I get a little bit frustrated with him because I know he should win some matches that he loses. I think he’s still yet to reach his full potential, because I think he’s super, super talented.
Q. What are your thoughts on his match tomorrow?
VICTORIA AZARENKA: I think it’s going to be interesting. Obviously Grigor is playing really well and really confident this year. I think he stepped up on his whole other level, so it will be tough. But we’ll see (smiling).
