The world of tennis has seen multiple rivalries build through the years. Some great names have shown up. One among them was Victoria Azarenka. The Belarusian tennis player was a force to be reckoned with in her prime. Now at 33, she is still battling it out for glory and pushes herself every day. In a recent interview, she came forward to discuss many things, including her admiration for the rivals, the Williams sisters.
The sisters were a dominant force and changed the way women’s tennis is looked at. With several grand slams to their name, they strongly stood at the top for many years. Not only this, they were an inspiration for both young minds and rivals.
Here we uncover Azarenka’s deep appreciation for the Williams sisters, who not only redefined the sport with their unrivaled power and athleticism but also showcased an unparalleled mental strength that propelled them to greatness. Read on!
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Azarenka shows admiration for the Williams sisters
Azarenka’s admiration for the Williams sisters runs deep, as she acknowledges the pivotal role they played in transforming tennis into a game that exhibits power and athleticism. She acknowledges their immense influence, noting that their legacy has left an indelible mark on the sport.
“They changed the game to become more powerful/athletic. Serena is so mentally strong. Their legacy is very, very strong. I was in the gym with her (Venus) the other day, it’s quite incredible for me to see.” said Azarenka in the interview.🎙️ Vika on @serenawilliams @Venuseswilliams being the female GOATs
"They changed the game to become more powerful/athletic. Serena is so mentally strong. Their legacy is very, very strong. I was in the gym with her (Venus) the other day, it's quite incredible for me to see." pic.twitter.com/QHocL7b0iv
— Jay (@theoverrule) July 13, 2023
Azarenka specifically highlights Serena Williams‘ mental fortitude, recognizing her as an unmatched force in the game. Serena’s unwavering focus and unyielding determination have earned her a special place in the pantheon of tennis greats. By emphasizing Serena’s mental strength, Azarenka acknowledges the depth of her rivalry with the Williams sisters, while also paying tribute to their exceptional qualities.
Victoria Azarenka further reveals her connection with Venus Williams, recounting a recent experience of training together. This encounter not only symbolizes the respect between the athletes but also underscores the impact they have had on each other’s careers.
Victoria Azarenka had a brilliant playing career herself
Beyond her profound respect for the Williams sisters, Victoria Azarenka has crafted an impressive playing career of her own. With two Grand Slam titles to her name and an astonishing 51 weeks atop the world rankings, Azarenka emerged as a force to be reckoned with during her dominant era.
Azarenka’s aggressive playing style and relentless determination made her a formidable opponent on any court. Her lightning-fast footwork, combined with powerful groundstrokes and a fierce competitive spirit, enabled her to conquer some of the toughest challenges in the tennis world.
She had a fine run of form at Wimbledon this year. However, her fine run was stopped after she was eliminated by Elina Svitolina of Ukraine.
Not only this, she has an impressive head-to-head stat against both the Williams sisters. When it comes to Serena, she had an 18-5 winning streak against the 23-time grand slam winner. Talking about the elder one of the two sisters, Azarenka managed to bag 6 games under her belt while losing thrice.
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Despite facing setbacks and injuries throughout her career, Azarenka consistently demonstrated resilience and an unwavering drive to succeed. Her tenacity and mental fortitude allowed her to overcome obstacles and stage remarkable comebacks, earning her the admiration of fans worldwide.
Azarenka’s exceptional playing career, marked by Grand Slam victories and a lengthy stint as the world’s number one, solidifies her status as one of the sport’s elite athletes. Through their rivalry and mutual respect, Azarenka and the Williams sisters have indelibly shaped the landscape of women’s tennis, leaving an enduring legacy for generations to come.
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