The openness of the women’s tour is something that makes the sport more exciting for fans, according to two-time grand slam champion Victoria Azarenka.
With the exception of a few players such as Serena Williams, the WTA tour has seen many struggled for consistency throughout the season. This year four different women won grand slam titles for the second time in a row. In the Premier events, 12 different players triumphed at 21 different tournaments. Petra Kvitova was the only player to have won a Premier-level event four times this season.
“There is a part of it that’s exciting,” Azarenka said during an interview with stuff.co.nz.
“Over the last 15 years or so, the generations have changed a couple of times, from when I came on the tour and now I feel like a veteran.
“Although when I came on the tour Serena [Williams] was there and today she’s still here. So there are a couple of players that have lasted and it’s the same with [Maria] Sharapova.
“So there’s a bit of that and there are players who’ve come up who are maybe not as consistent throughout the year, but can definitely show a big game and big potential.”
Some argue that women’s tennis can’t win. With the continuous criticisms concerning the lack of consistency, Azarenka believes that if it was the opposite, some would brand the sport ‘boring.’ For example, between 1991-1993 all of the major titles were won be either Monica Seles or Steffi Graf.
“When we had one person winning a lot of grand slams, people were saying it’s boring and always the same person. I don’t think everybody will ever be satisfied, because in the men’s tennis that’s been happening for the last 15 years.” Explained Azarenka.
On the men’s tour it is a different story with fans relishing the dominance of the Big Four. A group made up of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray. Between them they have won 54 grand slam tournaments since the 2003 Wimbledon Championships.
Azarenka will start her new season at the ASB Classic in New Zealand. She is on the verge of breaking back into the top 50 for the first time since becoming a mother. This year Azarenka has won 17 out of the 29 matches she has played on the tour.
“”I’ve been working hard for the last 10 or so weeks. I’ve definitely put a lot of work in and now it’s time to perform.” She said.
“I’m not at the competitive tournament mindset just yet, because it’s a little too early, but I’m looking forward to seeing after all the work I’ve put in, what’s going to come out of that.”
The upcoming tournament will be the second time Azarenka has played in New Zealand and the first since 2006.
