Interview with Victoria Azarenka
Victoria Azarenka lost her #1 ranking after this year’s Roland Garros. She returned to her birthplace of Minsk, Belarus and is currently training there preparing for Wimbledon.
Today, Vika Azarenka conducted a practice session for junior tennis players on the courts of the Minsk tennis center.
After the practice, she answered a few questions.
Have you started preparing for Wimbledon?
Yes. My coach is coming here tomorrow. I will be training in Minsk.
After Roland Garros you have said that you are a bit tired of tennis, so have you had a chance to get away from the sport in Minsk?
I’ve tried to distract myself somehow. I’ve just been relaxing for a week.
What is more important to you during the Olympics in London, playing singles or playing mixed doubles with Max Mirnyi?
My priority is singles, but I want to succeed in mixed doubles as well. We are also planning to play together at Wimbledon.
What does losing your #1 ranking mean to you?
This is life, things happen. Now I’m number two in the world. But I still have a chance to become #1 again. So this will only give me further motivation to continue my hard work.
Have you congratulated Maria Sharapova when she achieved the number #1 ranking?
No.
How do you explain that lately you’ve been having a tough time in your first round matches?
Easy matches don’t exist. There are many factors. Sometimes there are obstacles, other times there is a tough opponent, while it can also be the difference in your physical conditions. You can’t always play your ideal game. It’s just a sport.
Victoria, are you watching the European soccer championships?
I watch it almost every day. I’m rooting for Spain, since Belarus is not participating. And since I’m pretty patriotic, I always root for my countrymen.