GUADALAJARA OPEN

October 19, 2022

Victoria Azarenka

Press Conference

V. AZARENKA/P. Badosa

6-2, (ret.)

THE MODERATOR: Obviously, not the way you want to win, but what did you take from today heading into the next round?

VICTORIA AZARENKA: Yeah, absolutely not.

I mean, I felt like I played pretty clean, served quite well. Took my opportunities quite early in the match - kind of what I wanted to do.

It's unfortunate we couldn't finish the match, and I hope Paula feels better, and the next time we play she's healthy, fully healthy.

Q. You talked about Paula. She's injured, but I know it's always sad to be a partner and a girl that plays with you like a lot on the court. Do you think that just played one set today benefits you to the next round here in Guadalajara?

VICTORIA AZARENKA: I mean, I don't know. We'll have to see tomorrow, I guess. It's definitely good I played the match in different conditions compared to my first match.

The more match play I have, the better I think I can work on my game. I didn't have that much play this year consistently, so the more matches I can have in a row is always going to be beneficial.

Q. Talking about tomorrow, you are going to face Madison Keys? What can you tell us about her? How do you feel about the tennis that it's also love for the fans here at Guadalajara?

VICTORIA AZARENKA: Can you repeat that, please?

Q. You are going to face Madison Keys. How do you feel about to face her, and, I mean, the fans supported you today very much, but also her?

VICTORIA AZARENKA: Who?

Q. Madison. Sometimes it's very confusing.

VICTORIA AZARENKA: I feel like the fans are really great and supporting people who play good tennis. Obviously, you know, I feel a lot of support here that I've played quite a few times in Mexico. I have quite a few friends in Mexico, so that definitely helps to, I guess, get support here.

But the crowd has been amazing. I wanted to experience that energy like I did today in the night match. Like, I heard a lot of great things in Guadalajara from last year from the Finals, that the energy was really great. That's really what kind of motivates me the most to go out there and play, so that was really nice.

Playing against Madison, she's a great player. She's played really well this year. She had really good results. We haven't played in a while, so it's going to be a good match for both of us. Not expecting too many rallies there. So we'll see.

Q. First of all, this is the first time that we have Guadalajara Open as a Masters Mille. I want to know your opinion about the tournament.

VICTORIA AZARENKA: Honestly, I feel really that people are doing their best here and putting a Masters 1000 in two, three years. To put a big event is such a hard job, and they're doing a really good job.

Having such a great turnout with fans, it's what I judge by the tournament how well they can promote the tournament, bring people in, and grow tennis. Definitely Mexico is the place where you can see that happening.

So I hope the tournament stays here, and we can grow it more and more.

Q. Now, how do you feel about the weather, the altitude?

VICTORIA AZARENKA: I'm not a fan of altitude. I have asthma, so it's not easy. But after a few days, it's just easier to accustom.

We play in different conditions all over the world, so it's just one week with different conditions here.

Q. What do you think about the Mexico fans?

VICTORIA AZARENKA: I have a great opinion. I have such love here. Walking on the court and hearing the whole stadium roar, it's amazing. It's all you can ask for.