What Azarenka Can Learn from Djokovic
Victoria Azarenka recently pulled off a big win over Maria Sharapova to claim her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic edged Rafael Nadal in the longest major final of the Open Era.
But for Azarenka, it might be just a little more tricky to hold on to that euphoric feeling that comes after a huge win. That is, if the past year’s female champions prove to be an example. While Kim Clijsters, the Aussie Open’s 2010 titlist, made good with a semifinal loss to Azarenka, Li Na, Petra Kvitova, and (especially) Sam Stosur all failed to make much of a dent in the major tournaments after their victories. Vika needs to put the blinders on and push forward. She needs to follow the example of Djokovic, whose win she watched the next day.
Winning the three Grand Slams in a row could be in Azarenka’s future. A lot of things need to happen in her favor, including the continued poor form of Serena Williams. It’s still unclear whether Kvitova, who might prove Azarenka’s biggest rival, will get back the game that claimed her a Wimbledon crown, along with the WTA year-end championships. If so, the storyline might just develop into a Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova type deal, which would be extremely helpful to the WTA.
With the Williams sisters already on a downward spiral, or at least their typical roller coaster ride, they’re in danger of becoming quickly irrelevant. Meanwhile, Sharapova’s proven she’s back, having made the Wimbledon and Aussie Open finals. Yet does she have that extra fight to take her game one step further? Her loses in those championship matches were pretty huge. But if her serve continues to show staying power, she should find herself in the second weeks of many more majors to come.
Back to Azarenka. She needs to be composed as the newest World No. 1. Everyone may be thinking to the case of Ana Ivanovic, whose win at Roland Garros also propelled her to the highest height in the ranking. Of course, it also sent her game to low levels and a loss of confidence. Azarenka seems to have the fight in her, and it does appear similar to Djokovic’s own slightly abrasive personality.
As long as she keeps it going and doesn’t lose herself in the process, the upcoming hard court season is hers for the taking.
Excerpt of ‘My Tennis-Filled Summer in Pictures’
I recently wrote about my experiences this summer interning for two tennis organizations. Read below for an excerpt.
This summer has been pretty fantastic, especially from the point-of-view of my budding media career in journalism and, especially, tennis journalism. The best part: it’s hardly halfway over! I think the photo above captures this excitement, while showcasing a look of pure joy from tennis legend Chris Evert.
I’ve had the opportunity to write and blog for two amazing sites, http://www.TENNIS.com and WTT.com, as well as do work with content management for both. By working with a set of really talented editors and co-workers, my knowledge of the industry is drastically.
To read this post in its entirety, click here.
A Family Affair: What I Enjoy Most About Tennis
- Photo: Paul (from Emma Sicalowski’s camera) You can see me on the right with the cool transition lenses, repping my team in a Goucher tennis t-shirt.
Capping off a fantastic season with Goucher tennis this year, the men’s and women’s teams came together on a sunny day to play the annual mixed doubles tournament. Although hampered a little for those invested in the Men’s Lacrosse final, which ended in a 12-8 defeat by the University of Scranton Royals, getting back to the court allowed for a welcome dose of carefree fun.
It’s final’s week, complete with all the stress that comes with the essays, projects, and three-hour exams. Stepping on court without any pressure, and enjoying the company of people who have truly become my family and support system this year, was very welcome. There’s something about the event that allows me to forget any outside worries and just focus on what I love most about tennis: itsquality of bringing people together.
In fact, the event both this year and last reminded me and solidified in my mind why I hope to go into tennis journalism. It’s helped rekindle thoughts about the sport, which has become a passion of mine these past five years.
My love of tennis began when my dad took me to some public, asphalt courts in Long Island on my way to visiting my grandparents. With a couple of racquets in hand, he seemed committed to teaching his son to appreciate at least one sport. I wasn’t so sure about the whole thing from what I can recall. Having never really excelled at athletics, I didn’t feel confident enough to enjoy his initial enthusiasm.
That, however, quickly changed for the better.
With dad’s instruction, I actually found that the game wasn’t too bad afterall. Sure I missed most of the time, and my shots had the tendency to follow the trajectory of a homerun (heck, they still do sometimes during practice), but I remember coming off the court that day with the realization that a)tennis wasn’t so bad afterall and b) spending time with dad could be pretty cool.
To keep it brief, I learned to relish playing with my dad that day and over the subsequent years (although, yes, I would sometimes get a little to competive playing him) and what would later evolve into a family affair, including my grandparents and uncle. I’ve even recruited my brother and sister more recently — I got my brother his first racquet at two years old, talk about pushy, right?.
Mixed doubles with my Goucher College family – the tennis teams – reminded me of all this, and what an awesome feeling it is to play with people you love for fun. That’s the kind of tennis that keeps me so enthused writing about, and which I hope to make a career of in the coming years.
For more about the Goucher College athletics program, click here.
