Two-Time Defending Champion Victoria Azarenka Never Cared about Serena Williams
Second-ranked Victoria Azarenka won the Australian Open title in 2012 and 2013, but will she be able to defend the title at the 2014 Australian Open?
It seems like everyone has been talking about Serena Williams because of her remarkable performance in 2013, especially after her victories in the Wimbledon and the French Open making her Grand Slam career record a total of 17 and making her reclaim the top spot in the world ranking. Nevertheless, Azarenka refused to be bothered with William's presence at all.
"I don't really care about it, honestly," said Azarenka when asked if she's worried that everyone's been talking about Williams. Honestly, I never cared about it," she added.
Azarenka and Williams have met each other twice in the beginning of the 2014 season. They met during the exhibition match held in Thailand, where the Belarusian athlete won. Then, the two faced each other in the recently concluded Brisbane International where the American won.
"I think the favourites, it's predictions that you guys love to do," said Azarenka. "For us, it's a matter of playing tennis and giving your best on the court," she added.
Does Azarenka think that Williams is the player to beat at the 2014 Australian Open?
"If you meet her, yes," she said. "I think everybody is the ones to beat here," she added. "Comparing to her last season, of course, everybody will be motivated to beat her," Azarenka said. The 24-year-old athlete believes that the completion right now is very high and that the athletes should not take the other players and their skills for granted.
Azarenka and Williams faced each other for 16 times. They first met at the 2008 Australian Open. Williams is currently leading their head-to-head with 13-0, 8-0 in the Grand Slams, and 4-3 in the finals. Their rival is considered as one of the most momentous in the history of the sport.
Williams moves on to the second round after defeating wild card Ashleigh Barty on Monday evening. Azarenka, on the other hand, will begin her tournament in match against Johanna Larsson on Tuesday.
If Azarenka does make it to the finals and meet Williams, who do you think will prevail?
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