Video: Azarenka looks ahead to US Open

Last years beaten US Open finalist Victoria Azarenka spoke to sntv in New York on Tuesday ahead of the last Grand Slam tournament of the season.

Victoria Azarenka/World No. 2 tennis player -
“I mean this is one of my favourite parts to do. If I can give one hour to the kids to kind of inspire them, and change their dreams, or help their dreams, it’s something that inspires and motivates me. I remember being myself as a kid. So, I’m just here 100-percent, I enjoy that. I feel connected, you know, and that’s important for me to kind of promote our sport, to have more people involved, as well. It’s something that I really enjoy.”

Victoria Azarenka/World No. 2 tennis player (on beating Serena Williams at the Cincinnati Open) -
“Well it definitely gives a good confidence. I mean to play against Serena all the time, it’s definitely taking yourself to the next level, and push your limits. So it was an important test for me to have right before the Open. You know the whole preparation, it was about this tournament, to have the game develop and go through the test. I played different players that last week, who I haven’t played in a while, so it was also kind of important to have those challenges in front of me. So the whole preparation’s been good, and I’m really looking forward and excited about the Open.”

Victoria Azarenka/World No. 2 tennis player -
“Well, that’s why I’m here, I come to any tournament and I try and look for the title. And being the last grand slam of the year, that’s what everybody’s going to hunt on. And with such high competition right now it makes it even more exciting. From the beginning you have to be there. And I’m working towards this goal, and we’ll see what happens. But I feel like everybody starts from zero. Last year’s, the year before, the tournaments before that, is not going to give a big difference, but you just take the best on what you have achieved, what you have played, and take that experience and try and transform it into this event.”