“Her Coach Texted Me”: Daria Kastakina to Share Australian Open 2021 Practice Court With Victoria Azarenka

Two-time Grand Slam winner Victoria Azarenka’s dedication towards the game has been unquestionable. In her career, so far, she has won 21 titles and has held the number 1 ranking for a total of 51 weeks. As of today, Victoria Azarenka is one of the most experienced players on the women’s tour.

In 2014, the Belarusian was away from the tour for a considerable amount of time due to an injury she had sustained on her foot after which she returned on tour in the next season. However, her performances were not up to the mark.

As the Australian Open is around the corner, Vika has decided to be a part of it. She recently fixed a practice partner in Russian Daria Kasatkina for the first Major of the season. Daria herself has been a former top 10 ranked player and has won two singles titles and one doubles title.

How Victoria Azarenka and Daria Kasatkina partnered up

She explained the process by which she could make it happen (being Azarenka’s practice partner).

Kasatkina told EssentiallySports in a post-match press conference at WTA Abu Dhabi, “I was searching for a partner for the first week at the Australian Open. And at the time, her coach texted me. And I find it a good opportunity to practice with a great player. So yeah, I’m happy with my choice.”

Daria has been a two-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist. Her best performance at the Australian Open came in 2016 when she made it to the quarter-finals. 

However, her practice partner at this year’s Australian Open, Victoria Azarenka, has enjoyed the best spells of her career in Melbourne. The two Majors she’s won have been in Australia. The Belarusian has been a two-time finalist at the Australian Open in the doubles category too. 

Also Read: Is Elimination of Line Officials at Australian Open 2021 a Wise Move?