Vika Against the World

Vika has never been a really popular tennis player, but although many were quick to call her "the most unpopular world number 1," the Belorussian has done a great job in winning hearts recently. During her sensational 2012 season, people got to appreciate the real Victoria, a great champion on-court and a funny and edgy personality outside. However, from time to time her bad habits resurface and that's what pushes people off. 

Azarenka is an atypical player. She is vocal on the court, she doesn’t hold back from speaking her mind, she withdraws from numerous tournaments citing all sorts of not-so-credible excuses and she has a cocky 'F-you' attitude whenever something or someone messes with her. And this was never more obvious than at this year’s Australian Open. After her doubtful withdraw from Brisbane, where she claimed she was suffering from a foot infection 30 minutes before her semifinal clash with arch-rival, Serena Williams, Vika was the subject of many controversies in Melbourne. 

First it was the third round scare against Jamie Hampton. She didn’t do anything wrong that match, but her opponent won over the crowd with her fearless display. The American's injury didn’t help her cause either, as her win was severely questioned because of it. Leaving aside her noisy game that is turning off viewers all over the world, the Belorussian pulled a huge stunt during her semifinal with teen sensation,Sloane Stephens. After squandering five match points, she called in the trainer and ended up benefitting from a 10 minute medical time out that apparently affected her opponent. Vika cleared her head and broke in the next game, sealing the victory. She may have booked her place in the final as a result, but the manner in which she finished the match brought in a large amount of negative publicity. Worldwide media launched a heavy campaign against her, accusing the world number 1 of gamesmanship. Now maybe her gesture denotes a lack of fair play, but let’s not forget she was still in total control when she had the MTO. The reality is that with or without the delay, she would have eventually defeated Stephens. 

What I like most about Vika is that she really doesn’t care what people say. She plays tennis for herself. She loves the sport and she loves to win. She of course loves her public, but she doesn’t make any compromises to win it. If they love her back, then it’s awesome, if not, she’s gonna carry on doing her thing, playing her tennis and fighting hard to win each match for herself and her team. Is that the definition of an egocentric? Maybe it is, but Vika is such a strong competitor and I truly think that her hunger is what makes her such a great champion.

This is exactly what she did in the final. Facing Aussie sweetheart, Na Li, Azarenka was falling behind in the early stages of the dispute. The Chinese was playing the best tennis of her life during the fortnight. She was in dominant form en route to the final, stunning Julia Goerges, red-hot Agnieszka Radwanska, and second seeded Russian, Maria Sharapova, without dropping a set. She started aggressively, whipping the lines with some tremendous shots that left defending champion struggling to find answers. If there’s a weak point in Li’s game though, that’s her weak mental capacity to cope with the big occasions. The Chinese suffers severe concentration lapses during important matches that usually prove extremely costly. It happened again in this final, and at the start of the second set, Azarenka was already 3-0 up. Li twisted her ankle at 3-1 down and asked for the trainer. The break did her good and she recaptured some of the momentum, levelling at 4 all. Vika maintained a clear head and wrapped up two consecutive games to push the final into a decider. The drama continued on the Rod Laver Arena, as Li twisted her damaged ankle for the second time, while also hitting her head in the fall. The doctor was called once again and when the Chinese trailblazer decided to carry on, the crowd went mad with admiration. Azarenka was less impressed however. She continued her march towards the title, winning the fierce battle 4-6,6-4,6-3.

Although both players gave it their all, all credit should go to the Belorussian for being the worthy winner of the Daphne Akhurst cup. Li played a more spectacular tennis, but overall Victoria was more consistent, tougher mentally and less emotional. She freed herself only after that last point was won. Soon after realising her achievement, tears of joy and relief started rolling down her face as she run to celebrate the triumph with her staff. However, on the other side of the net, Li had different tears in her eyes. After falling to Kim Clijsters in 2011, she now lost her second Australian Open final in a similarly dramatic fashion.

If anyone needed proof, Victoria Azarenka showed she is in for the long term. A double major champion now, the Belorussian also kept her number 1 ranking, which was seriously threatened by Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova. Well done, Vika! Congrats on a fabulous fortnight!

On stepping onto the Center Court, Azarenka looks like a bower going into the rig to knock out her opponent.

At the end of a real dramatic battle, Victoria succumbed injured Na Li to successfully defend her Australian Open title. She won the match 4-6,6-4,6-3.

Immediately after sealing the victory, all the emotions took over. Victoria cried tears of joy as she's shown to the world just why she's the best player. It's been a tough two weeks for the Belorussian, but she's proven she is a genuine champion.

A delighted Azarenka enjoyed her moment into the limelight, posing with the trophy and waving smiles to the not-so-friendly Aussie crowd. Once more, she's shown she's here to win titles, not to make friend.

photos (top-down): GETTY IMAGES, Ben Solomon, GETTY IMAGES (x2), Ben Solomon (x2), GETTY IMAGES