Azarenka relishes great rivalries
January 29, 2012 10:08:03 UK
Victoria Azarenka believes that the women's game is in rude health, having broken her Grand Slam duck with victory in the final of the Australian Open.
Azarenka defeated Maria Sharapova in straight sets in Melbourne to take the title and become the new world number one, however, the Belarusian is aware that there are a number of players capable of challenging for honours in the coming months.
I think it's a great thing for women's tennis, we have good rivalries.
Victoria Azarenka
"It's a dream come true," Azarenka said. "I have been dreaming and working so hard to win a Grand Slam and being number one is a pretty good bonus for that.
"I think it's a great thing for women's tennis, we have good rivalries. With Petra (Kvitova) we had amazing matches, Maria is playing really well now, Serena (Williams) is back and Kim (Clijsters) is still there.
"With Li Na and Sam Stosur winning Grand Slams, it's great competition and we can really look forward for the women's game. It's at a great level."
The next Grand Slam is the French Open, with Azarenka 5.00 to take the clay court title, while Kvitova is 10.00 and defending champion Li Na is 11.00.
Meanwhile, Sharapova is confident that her best tennis is still to come, as she aims to add to her three Grand Slam titles to date.
"I believe there's still a lot of work that I can do to improve," Sharapova. "That's why I'm still playing."
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