Tennis Ambassador Speaks Out On Victoria Azarenka’s controversial “medical timeout”

Azarenka Video clip Score: five / 5[/random]

Maria Sharapova vs Victoria Azarenka 2012 Stuttgart Highlights

Azarenka Video clip Ranking: four / 5[/random]

OLYMPICS MEANS MORE

Victoria Azarenka has said that winning a medal in the Olympics is more important to her than being the no. 1 player in the world.

Azarenka had won the Gold medal in the mixed doubles competition of London Olympics. Her partner in that event was Max Mirnyi. The Belarusian pair had defeated the British pair of Laura Robson and Andy Murray by 2-6, 6-3, 10-8.

That was not the only medal won by Azarenka in London Olympics. She had won the Bronze medal in the singles competition as well.

When asked what is more important to her- being at the top of the world rankings or winning an Olympic medal, Azarenka said, “Off course, it’s the Olympic medal. The value of an Olympic medal is immense. It can’t be compared to anything else, not even the no. 1 ranking in the world.”

“In the Olympics, you play for your country and that’s the biggest thing for a sportsperson. Winning something for nation is what all sportspersons dream about.”

“When I was a child, I also used to dream about winning an Olympic medal and finally, when I got one last year, I got emotional. It was really the happiest moment that I have ever had in my career.”

“The no. 1 ranking in the world is only an indication of how you are playing at the moment. If you win matches consistently, you will get there. Similarly, if you have bad run in some tournaments, you will go down. So, it’s something which is always changing.”

Azarenka’s current world ranking is 3. She has had tremendous time this year. She is yet to suffer a defeat this season.

Azarenka has been out of action since the last few weeks because of her ankle injury. But, she is expected to be back for the upcoming clay court tournament in Stuttgart.

Victoria Azarenka Press Conference – Australian Open 2013

Azarenka Video clip Score: 3 / five[/random]

AZARENKA PULLS OUT

The no. 3 player in the world, Victoria Azarenka, has withdrawn her name from the ongoing Sony Open because of her ankle injury.

The Belarusian had to play her first match in the tournament on Friday, but, before the match, she announced her withdrawal from the tournament.

Announcing her withdrawal, Azarenka said, “The condition of my ankle has not improved at all. I am still having problems in moving. I went to practice yesterday, but, I didn’t feel comfortable at all while practicing. So, I have decided that I will not take part in this tournament.”

“It’s really frustrating to miss tournaments when you are in good form. I was eager to play in this tournament.”

Azarenka had discovered this ankle injury while playing against Urszula Radwanska of Poland in the fourth round of BNP Paribas Open. The Belarusian managed to win that match in straight sets despite being in a lot of pain.

Azarenka had to play against Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark in the next match, but, she decided not to take part in that match as her injury had worsened.

At the start of this week, Azarenka had said that she would recover before the Sony Open, but, unfortunately, that didn’t happen.

Azarenka has had a fabulous run in this season so far. She hasn’t been beaten yet in the season. She has played a total of 17 matches and has won all of them.

She has won a couple of titles i.e. Australian Open and Doha Open.

However, despite performing so well in this season, Azarenka has slipped down in the world rankings. She had begun the season as the no. 1 player in the world, but, now, she is at the third position in the world rankings.

AZARENKA THROUGH THIRD ROUND

Victoria Azarenka has defeated Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium in the third round of the BNP Paribas Open. Azarenka won the match by 3-6, 6-3, 6-0.

Azarenka struggled a bit in the first set, but, in the next two sets, she showed why she is considered as a great player. Azarenka who has been given the top seed in this tournament will play against Urszula Radwanska of Poland in the next round. Read more »