Australian Open: Azarenka with anger in her stomach, Tsitsipas with "Spartan attitude"
Findings from the first day of the quarter-finals: Stefanos Tsitsipas has become Novak Djokovic 's worst rival in Melbourne, Viktoria Azarenka catches up with an old story at the moment of triumph.
by SID/red.
last edit: Jan 24, 2023, 03:27 pm
While Stefanos Tsitsipas underlined his status as Novak Djokovic's worst title rival in the Rod Laver Arena, Victoria Azarenka brought out the club against her critics. "I've been accused of cheating, of simulating, of trying to get someone out of the game," said the two-time champion with mirrored sunglasses on her face after her semi-finals in Melbourne: "Anyone who knows me knows that doesn't match my character at all."
A ten-year-old story about her second and last title win at the Australian Open stirred up Azarenka after she reached the semifinals again. She secured this with a 6: 4, 6: 1 win against US hopeful Jessica Pegula, before Tsitsipas also defeated the surprise Czech man Jiri Lehecka with a 6: 3, 7: 6 (7: 2), 6: 4 . His experience "and a good Spartan attitude" made the difference, said the fourth in the world rankings after a challenging match. He will face Russia's Karen Khachanov in the semifinals.
Old wounds tear open
Azarenka, meanwhile, said she was deeply troubled by the many critical inquiries surrounding a controversial break in treatment in her 2013 semi-final against Sloane Stephens. Now she doesn't care about criticism, she looks a lot more at her game against Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina. The Kazakh prevailed in a duel between two Grand Slam winners against Latvian Jelena Ostapenko 6: 2, 6: 4.
For the hopefuls of burgeoning US tennis at Melbourne Park, however, it was a used day, but looking to the future promises a lot. "With the group we have we can do really well in the near future," said Sebastian Korda when his dreams in Melbourne were dashed. The 22-year-old was unable to seize his semi-final chance against Khachanov, with a score of 6: 7 (5: 7), 3: 6, 0: 3 he gave up due to wrist problems.
Azarenka understands Djokovic
Ten men from the United States will be ranked in the top 50 in the world after the tournament ends. And the duel between Tommy Paul and newcomer Ben Shelton (approx. 4.30 a.m. / Eurosport) will definitely result in a semi-finalist in Melbourne - the first from the USA since Andy Roddick in 2009. The US women will be nine in the Top 50 will be represented, but in Melbourne there will be nothing with a title.
Djokovic definitely wants to win the men's, he will get back into action on Wednesday and duel Andrey Rublev (9:30 a.m. / Eurosport) for a semi-final ticket. The 35-year-old Serb draws a good deal of "strength and motivation" from the discussions surrounding his hamstring injury. "Only my injuries are questioned. If other players are injured, then they are the victims," said Djokovic: "But if it's me, I'm faking it."
Azarenka said she could understand Djokovic's recent statements based on her own experience.
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