‘Looks Like He’s Still 19 Years Old’ – Victoria Azarenka Draws Inspiration From Novak Djokovic’s Timeless Energy on Her Tennis Journey

Victoria Azarenka named Novak Djokovic as one of her biggest inspirations. The Belarusian WTA star recently booked a berth in the semi-finals of the ongoing Miami Open after defeating Yulia Putintseva. Performing in this way at the age of 34 is more than impressive. While revealing that she does not ‘feel like 34’, Azarenka talked about Djokovic’s agelessness.

For Azarenka, reaching the Miami Open tournament’s quarterfinals is nothing new, having reached this spot four more times previously. This time, however, it is rather special considering her age and the phase of her career she is currently in.

Victoria Azarenka names Novak Djokovic as her inspiration in this late stage of her career

In a recent interview with Tennis Channel, host Prakash Amritraj quipped Victoria Azarenka about her role model and the player she looks up to in this phase of her professional career. In her response, Azarenka named the world’s number-one tennis star Novak Djokovic (36). This Belarusian WTA star commented, “I try to get inspiration from Novak, He looks like he’s still 19 years old!” 

Victoria Azarenka has earned two Australian Open titles and has been a finalist for the US Open and the semifinalist of the French Open and Wimbledon. Azarenka has struggled with mental health issues but she kept moving forward. In this process, Djokovic has been her role model. Azarenka further said, “I don’t feel like 34. I don’t feel like I’ve played 20 years on tour. Sometimes when you wake up in the morning, the body lets you know.”

Now, fans surely remember how she needed a medical time-out during the second set of her performance against Jessica Pegula at the Australian Open 2021. This Belarusian WTA star was reportedly having breathing issues and it led to her defeat against the American tennis star.

Currently positioned at number thirty-two by the WTA committee, Victoria Azarenka could become one of the oldest players in the tennis elite list if she reaches WTA’s top twenty rankings. Interestingly, this is not the first time that she has spoken highly of Novak Djokovic. Previously, this tennis star mentioned the Serbian tennis legend’s contribution to her tennis skills.

Azarenka feels Novak Djokovic’s inputs are ‘pretty impressive’

This Belarusian WTA star previously opened up about her admiration for Novak Djokovic in an interview with WTA Insider. Victoria Azarenka not only mentioned Djokovic’s contribution to professional tennis but also expressed her feelings about the changes he made to improve his game. In her words, “I’m not sure how many people actually do see the changes that he made, even technically, with his serve and some of the movements in the game. It’s pretty impressive.”

Azarenka also picked Djokovic over Federer and Nadal. She spoke about the unnecessary criticism many still shower on Djokovic commenting, “He’s been painted like a villain so many times. This is where I can understand him, where there is a double standard for some people and I think for him to maintain a good image, he needs to do so much more than Rafa and Roger.”

With these comments, the Belarusian tennis star’s admiration for the world’s number-one tennis legend becomes quite evident. It also showcases Azarenka’s interest in bringing an ageless spirit that Djokovic brings into his game.

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