Victoria Azarenka: The New Queen of Tennis?

This is the year for Victoria Azarenka. She has a chance to become the new star of women's tennis. The WTA certainly could use a fresh face capable of contending on a regular basis for the next half decade. The 20 year old Azarenka, who hails from Belarus has the opportunity to be that star.

First she'll have to beat the current queen of tennis Serena Williams today at the Australian Open. Serena is with out question one of the three top players in history of tennis, and when healthy and determined possibly the best.

Azarenka did make the Australian Open Final back in 2008, and the French Open final last year, so she isn't an unknown. The fact that she is somewhat familiar with the spotlight should have her prepared to reach the next level. However now she has finally grown into her 5'11 frame, and looks ready to emerge as a top player in the women's game. Women's Tennis needs some fresh faces, especially one that can be at the top for the next five years.

The WTA certainly needs a star, for that matter they could use a couple. Ivanovic and Jankovic have failed to live up to their billing. The William Sisters are probably in the last few years of their careers. Venus and Serena have always done things their own way, so they could dominate for another few years or just decide to move on to other things. Unfortunately for them, their only consistent rivals have been themselves. Maria Sharapova is always injured and never plays enough to attract fans to women's tennis. Her love of the camera and focuses off the court, still leaves the need for a player who is most known for accomplishments on the court.

The worry is Vika will spend too much time doing photo shoots like this one for FHM. She does like shopping as anyone follows her - @vika7 comes to find out. The fact that is great friends with follow young tennis players Caroline Wozniacki, Svetlana Kuznetsova, and others should help her focus on tennis. I just have the impression after interviewing her that she's grounded enough and has the desire to want to be a star tennis player

Of course if this is her year, she has to beat Serena today before this conversation can go any further.

2010 Sports Predictions

It’s time again for my world famous sports predictions for coming year. Of my 2009 predictions some were on target, and some were close and some, well they just didn’t happen. For 2010 my visions are cloudy, but the Oracle of the Allegheny will be on the mark with these predictions.

England will win the World Cup.

I know England never does well at the World Cup, but this year the draw is set up perfectly for them. They have a fairly easy road to the Final.

Carolina Kostner will win Gold in Figure Skating

She’ll get good karma since she interviewed with us.



Sidney Crosby will be at the center of controversy in Vancouver.

I don’t know what yet, but something is will happen

No Undeafeated Teams from non-BCS Conferences.

2009 was the year of the little guy, next year their will be no surprise runs for the likes of TCU, Boise, etc.

Paula Creamer will win 2010 US Women’s Open at Oakmont

I might even go to see it live.

Tiger Woods will play in 2010

He’ll be back for better or worse.



Victoria Azarenka will become the top tennis star in the world.

Simple as that.

Bob Nutting will Sale the Pirates.

If only one of these predictions comes true, pray that it’s this one.



Lions make the NFL Playoffs

Correct, that’s the Detroit Lions, by the time the calendar flips to 2011, the Lions will have a playoff birth wrapped up.

Happy New Year from RizzoSports.com

Victoria Azarenka: UK FHM Wimbledon Stir.

Victoria Azarenka figures she'll cause quite a stir when the British FHM hits during Wimbledon. She actually did photos in the French FHM for Roland Garros, so who know what is planing for the US Open.



She even gave some good advice for the guys, in my recent interview with her.

Victoria Azarenka - WTA Tennis Interview

Tennis' Fabulous Phenom - Victoria Azarenka

You might not know who Victoria Azarenka is yet, but if she has anything to say about it, you soon will. The 19 year old "Vika" from Belarus is looking to emerge in 2009. Victoria has already taken her place in the world’s top 10, and with tennis looking for a new star, this summer could be her time to shine.

1. You’ve started out 2009 very strong, how would your rate your performances this year?
Yeah my performances this year been really good I think. Winning Brisbane was a really big step for me and I just started believing in myself that I could win the tournaments and the big matches. Beating Serena at the Sony Ericsson was the biggest win on my career, and I am just so happy that I finished that match.

2. What improvements to your game would you like to make in 2009?

Well there are always things to work on and improve in your game, and I want to keep working hard and improve my serve and just my game overall.

3. Tennis brings you to so many places across the world, do you have a favorite?

Yeah I love going to Australia, it is one of my favorite places to travel to.

4. What is the one tournament you would like to win the most?

Of course my goal is to win a Grand Slam, and my favorite ones are the US Open and Australian Open so I would really like to win one of these.

5. There are a lot of people who think you could become the next great tennis champion how are you handling you’re rise to fame and pressure.

You know, right now I'm just thinking about playing and the next match. If I'm going to get too excited, I won't be able to play.

6. How do you celebrate winning a tournament?

Well after winning in Miami the Tour made a reservation for me, my coach and trainer, mom and friends and we all went to Nobu and celebrated. I usually do something fun after winning a big tournament.

7. Since so many young men are becoming fans of yours. I feel obliged to ask; what would your ideal date consist of?

Haha, yeah I like to go out to nice restaurants and have dinner, and then afterwards go out somewhere in the city I am in and do something fun or go somewhere that plays good music.

8. Outside of tennis, is there something you enjoy doing, or do you have any hobbies?

Yeah I love shopping, I am just crazy about it. I love buying Gucci clothes and Diro shoes, and every city I go to I usually do some shopping there. Also, something most people don’t know about me is that I really like cars a lot and driving fast. I want to get a new Mercedes.

9. Looking ahead to what is your goal and expectations for the year?

Well I really want to win a Grand Slam. That’s the whole reason I'm playing, you know. I think everybody's goal is to try to be #1. I'm not going to say, yeah, I'm going to be there, but I'll try to do my best.

**Images used with permission from:via BEST Tennis - Top Image credit: (RON C. ANGLE) bottom image: (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Follow up: After this interview I can say two things for certain. Vika is determined to reach the top echelon of tennis players. The other is if your city, needs a jolt to its retail sector, host a tennis tournament, because Azarenka is a shopper! The WTA is having a hard time keeping its stars on the court. Sharapova seemly hasn’t been healthy for a year, and Jankovic and Ivanovic also have been struggling with injuries. The Williams sister are into their late twenties, and the WTA could really use a fresh young face. It’s going to be a very important summer for Victoria, we’ll see if she can capitalize.

If you would like to link to this story, please link to the achieved interview on RizzoSports.com