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August 13, 2021

Victoria Azarenka

Press Conference

A. SABALENKA/V. Azarenka

6-2, 6-4

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Would you walk us through that match and what made the difference out there today.

VICTORIA AZARENKA: I think there are a few points that really made a big difference. I thought like even in the first set I was making some opportunities, but I think she was playing much stronger today in the important moments. I didn't really quite take my chances I think.

Q. You were up 4-2 in the second set, had won your serve at love. Can you pinpoint something that happened from that point on that made Sabalenka run the streak of four games?

VICTORIA AZARENKA: I had some opportunities at 4-2, some breakpoints.

I don't remember. Honestly, I don't remember. But I think I had some opportunities in that game and didn't take them. Yeah, I mean, I feel that I just didn't take my opportunities. It's as simple as that. There's nothing more to do.

She was playing really well in the important moments, being really aggressive. I had couple of chances on some easy balls that I didn't do enough with it. I paid the price for it.

Q. You've seen Aryna evolve over the last few years. She has the No. 1 seed in the tournament here. Strong run at Wimbledon. Among the players on the women's side who haven't captured a Grand Slam at this point, do you see her as one of the top ones to break through at some point soon?

VICTORIA AZARENKA: Honestly I don't really like to talk about it. I think it's more of your guys' job.

She definitely has the talent for it. There's a lot of things that has to come together to win a Grand Slam. I think she definitely has the potential for it. So we will see.

Q. The last Grand Slam of the year is coming up soon. You had such a great run there last year. How much are you looking forward to being back in New York, trying to add that trophy?

VICTORIA AZARENKA: I'm always happy to be in New York. It's one of my favorite tournaments, one of my favorite Grand Slams to play. I'm always excited to go there and see what happens.

Last year was last year. This year is going to be a different story. I'm excited there's going to be fans back, the crowd. That's really cool.

Q. Can you describe how hard does Sabalenka hit the ball and how tough is it to play against the power that she has?

VICTORIA AZARENKA: How would you like me to do that? How hard? How is this possible to describe because it's all relative. To you something can be harder than it seems to me and vice versa.

I think it's an interesting point that you're trying to make, but I think it's kind of impossible to describe.

Q. Maybe compared to the other players, does she hit harder?

VICTORIA AZARENKA: Compared to other players? Well, she's probably one of the hardest hitters definitely. She has a heavy ball. So, yeah, compared to other players, she's probably one of the hardest hitting.

Q. Do you think the fact you're the most experienced player in this case added any extra pressure?

VICTORIA AZARENKA: No, I don't think so. I think pressure is something that can be put from the outside. Your expectation is the ones that put pressure on you. In terms of factors of experience, I think it's all relative.

Q. You are very strong mentally. Can you share some of the things you have been doing over the years to get to this point.

VICTORIA AZARENKA: Life experience have a tendency to shape your experience in a certain way. I always felt that I met challenges with my head high, learned from my mistakes, learned from other's mistakes, keep moving forward.

To be good at tennis, it's great to lead a happy life, have a strong foundation where you can share your life experience. That for me is very important. I'm glad that I've been able to move in this direction and continue to learn.