Citing a problem with her shoulder, Stanford champion Victoria Azarenka has withdrawn from the Mercury Insurance Open. Melanie Oudin was scheduled to play Azarenka in the first round, but will now play a qualifier. Oudin lost to Azarenka in Stanford.
I know that Azarenka had a leg problem in the recent past but knew nothing of her shoulder. She was involved in a lot of long rallies (for hard court) w Bartoli and Sharapova, that were hard-hitting shots. Hopefully the pull out is more prevention than an actual injury that will sideline her. I have to say the screaming between Sharapova and Azarenka got to my husband and myself in the final. I had to mute it occasionally but did hear the "Carillo line" regarding the screeching. :)
ReplyDeleteShe says she needed some recovery time; I don't think it's anything serious.
ReplyDeleteMultiple Choice. Which got the most attention in women's tennis this weekend?
ReplyDeletea. Serena's Tweets vs. the L.A. Men's tournament
b. Azarenka and Sharapova's "noisy" final
Of course, that those are probably the only two viable choices says something not exactly heartwarming about the tour at the moment, huh?
I'm such a bad population sample--neither of them bothered me :)
ReplyDeleteDiane,
ReplyDeleteThere is an interesting take on Azarenka from SI Bruce Jenkins at:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/bruce_jenkins/08/03/azarenka/index.html
We must have seen some different matches. Azarenka didn't stay calm and composed. She had a go at breaking a racquet, and she was quite petulant (to use his word) on a few occasions during the final. But she didn't let it take away her victory.
ReplyDeleteNeither is that new behavior. For several months, Azarenka has been able to win, even with her tantrums on the court. Some players know how to stay angry, but not let the anger destory them. Azarenka appears to be headed that way.
I think way too much has been made of Azarenka's temper lately. It used to (or so it seemed to me) bring down her game, but now she manages it.