• About Us
  • Contact Us
Today Headline
No Result
View All Result
  • breaking news today
    • Politics news
    • Sports
    • Science News & Society
  • Entertainment News
    • Movie
    • Gaming
  • Technology News
    • Automotive
    • Software & IT
  • Health News
    • Lifestyle
    • Insurance
  • Finance News
    • Money
  • Enterprise
  • Contact Us
  • breaking news today
    • Politics news
    • Sports
    • Science News & Society
  • Entertainment News
    • Movie
    • Gaming
  • Technology News
    • Automotive
    • Software & IT
  • Health News
    • Lifestyle
    • Insurance
  • Finance News
    • Money
  • Enterprise
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
TodayHeadline
No Result
View All Result

Off court and on, straight-talking Victoria Azarenka still winning admirers

2 years ago
in Sport > AFL
Reading Time: 8 mins read


It’s easy to forget that Victoria Azarenka is a double Australian Open champion.

Of the female singles players turning out in Melbourne this year, only Naomi Osaka and Angelique Kerber, on four and three respectively, have won more majors.

It is some feat but yet is diminished somewhat by distance.

It is 10 years since Azarenka won her first trophy here, a title she successfully defended 12 months later.

But the Belarusian should not be overlooked this Open, on court or off.

Early on Wednesday there was a routine win over Switzerland’s Jil Teichmann to propel her into the third round, all very easy and little of note. She looked good.

Words of wisdom

Yet it was in her media conference shortly after where the 32-year-old shone.

Fronting up in a winter-warmth hoodie and reflective sunglasses more akin to a motorcyclist in the 1970s Californian police force, she didn’t flinch at any line of questioning.

Recently returned to the Women’s Tennis Association WTA player council, she talked passionately and with authority on the ever-vexing issue of vaccination.

Victoria Azarenka was precise in her sentiments about vaccination. Photo: ausopen.com

She is, she said at the outset, a firm believer in science.

This clearly was not about to be any Novak Djokovic love-in.

“I believe in getting vaccinated. That’s what I did for myself,” she said

“As an association of the WTA, that is traveling globally we still have to respect countries, different countries, different mandates, different legalities of the country.

“I don’t necessarily say that (by) getting vaccinated, then nobody will be sick. But I think it is a step to hopefully battle against this coronavirus, hopefully to bring it down globally.”

Mandating that all countries require all players to be vaccinated is not straightforward but is a step forward, she said.

“I think it would just be helpful for everybody in the world, especially when we are travelling internationally.”

Thinking of others when it comes to vaccinations is imperative, she believes.

“Personally, it’s not necessarily maybe about myself, it’s about other people. Like my parents, for example, are at high risk for COVID.  I had COVID in November. Unfortunately my parents also got.  It was tough for my dad. Thankfully he was vaccinated because I honestly don’t know what could have happened otherwise.

“For me there is a social responsibility for other people who are much more vulnerable maybe than us. I definitely look at it from that point.”

Novak Djokovic walks with coach Goran Ivanisevic in Dubai after being deported over his coronavirus vaccination status. Photo: AFPTV/AFP/Getty

‘Could have been prevented from the beginning’

This week’s player deportation came up, although as is increasingly the case, Djokovic is increasingly airbrushed out, by direct naming at least.

“I believe this whole situation could have been prevented from the beginning. I don’t believe that this was something that just came out of nowhere,” Azarenka said. “This could have been prevented. This could have been addressed way earlier than it was at this point.”

Regardless, a wider damage to tennis has been done she said. Clarity is the only way ahead.

“What happened after, I don’t believe there was anybody who looked good in any case. That became a bit of a circus. I think there should be a really hard look on this situation moving forward.

“As soon as there is a grey area in the rules, that gives a bit too much questions and situations like this happen. On certain things I think a black-and-white approach is necessary. In my opinion, this should be the case.”

Should she make it thought another round, Azarenka will meet the current French Open champ Barbora Krejcikova, seeded four and an under-the-radar tip for the title next week.

Late-blooming Czech Barbora Krejcikova continues to fly under the radar. Photo: AFP/Getty

The late-blooming 26-year-old Czech (all three top tournaments she has won came last year) saw off wildcard Xiyu Wang with ease last night on Margaret Court Arena.

Former champion Rafael Nadal struggled a touch more than the scoreline might suggest in his 6-2 6-3 6-4 win over qualifier Yannick Hanfmann on Rod Laver Arena.

Intriguingly, the heavy-hitting Nadal served just one ace all match, although the result was never in doubt.

“His level today was much higher his ranking (126),” said Nadal who later put his fitness down to playing golf more than hanging around in the gym. Muscular physiques are in the family genes, he said.

FOMO hits as Special Ks thrill crowd

There is, it seems, little end to the Nick Kyrgios appeal.

Teaming up with pal Thanasi Kokkinakis again (“I love him,” Nick told the John Cain Arena fans on Tuesday), the duo faced off against fellow Aussie Alex Bolt and James McCabe on court 3 late afternoon.

Midway through the first set there were 20 people or so queuing outside each of the court’s 24 entry points, drawn by the cacophony of noise within.

It was a FOMO occasion but there will be another day for fans unlucky to miss out as Nick and Thanasi won in two sets and will play again.

Daniil Medvedev faces Nick Kyrgios in the tournament’s first blockbuster on Thursday night. Photo: Getty

Before that comes Thursday’s main event, the showdown, the biggest draw of the AO 2022 so far, Nick and No.2 seed Daniil Medvedev on RLA at 7pm.

It is a blockbuster in name but bear in mind Kyrgios’ near-wholesale lack of preparation (COVID-19, a last tournament win last July) and only one result looms.

Kyrgios has beaten the Russian both times they have met to date, but all circumstance points to a Medvedev win this time.

Whoever departs, it will be the tournament’s loss but such is the essence, and appeal of, a tennis major.

Buy a ticket or tune in.

Late show

Late on Wednesday night, Queensland’s John Millman fell to third seed Alexander Zverev in just under two hours on RLA.

The loss was no reflection on Millman whatsoever, the German was imperious all night.

Should Medvedev falter any time this fortnight, Zverev will be next in line to be crowned men’s champion a week on Sunday.

Bend it like @johnhmillman ?↩️

?: @wwos • @espn • @Eurosport • @wowowtennis #AusOpen • #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/ZWY8tPdhH7

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 19, 2022

Related Posts

Sport > AFL

Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal make £60m Caicedo bid, Chelsea deals die, Gordon swap offer | Football | Sport

Roberto De Zerbi is refusing...

Read more

Karrie playing for keeps at TPS Rosebud – Golf Australia Magazine – The Women’s Game

Saudi league plans for Messi to join Ronaldo if he exits PSG

Chelsea star Kepa Arrizabalaga rewarded for reclaiming Blues No1 spot with Spain recall after World Cup 2022 snub

Tyson Fury calls out Francis Ngannou, Chael Sonnen slams decision, boxing, UFC, MMA results news.

Load More
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest

‘My racist MIL dyed and straightened my mixed daughter’s hair’ story leaves users in disbelief

[Reddit@Streams!]* F1 Japan Grand Prix 2023 Live Stream@Reddit On TV

Rod Wave Vows To Get ‘Revenge’ On His Haters By Getting A ‘6-Pack’

Wales 40-6 Australia - Rugby World Cup LIVE: Wallabies CRUMBLE in must-win game in Lyon as Eddie Jones' side face early exit with Welsh dominating despite Dan Biggar's early injury

Wales 40-6 Australia – Rugby World Cup LIVE: Wallabies CRUMBLE in must-win game in Lyon as Eddie Jones' side face early exit with Welsh dominating despite Dan Biggar's early injury

Pay-to-use blockchains will never achieve mass adoption

WGA and film, TV studios reach tentative deal

Trump White House Lawyer Sues Dirty Prosecutor Andrew Weissmann For Defamation | The Gateway Pundit

Trump White House Lawyer Sues Dirty Prosecutor Andrew Weissmann For Defamation | The Gateway Pundit

PM expected to make change forcing convicted rapists to serve full sentence

Sal de Vida Update Delivers Improved Economics, Resource and Reserve

The Bears Are in Crisis. It’s Time for Matt Eberflus to Act.

About Us

Todayheadline the independent news and topics discovery
A home-grown and independent news and topic aggregation . displays breaking news linking to news websites all around the world.

Follow Us

Latest News

WGA and film, TV studios reach tentative deal

Trump White House Lawyer Sues Dirty Prosecutor Andrew Weissmann For Defamation | The Gateway Pundit

Trump White House Lawyer Sues Dirty Prosecutor Andrew Weissmann For Defamation | The Gateway Pundit

PM expected to make change forcing convicted rapists to serve full sentence

WGA and film, TV studios reach tentative deal

Trump White House Lawyer Sues Dirty Prosecutor Andrew Weissmann For Defamation | The Gateway Pundit

Trump White House Lawyer Sues Dirty Prosecutor Andrew Weissmann For Defamation | The Gateway Pundit

PM expected to make change forcing convicted rapists to serve full sentence

  • Real Estate
  • Parenting
  • Cooking
  • NFL Games On TV Today
  • Travel and Tourism
  • Home & Garden
  • Pets
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Contact
  • About

© 2023 All rights are reserved Today headline

No Result
View All Result
  • Real Estate
  • Parenting
  • Cooking
  • NFL Games On TV Today
  • Travel and Tourism
  • Home & Garden
  • Pets
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Contact
  • About

© 2023 All rights are reserved Today headline