Vika has always been a drama queen. That's probably what drew me to her in the first place. However I now feel that she has developed this tendency to a point where it's becoming annoying. She is prone to exaggerate her injuries. I remember only last year she missed the entire North American summer due to a 'so-called' injury, although she was playing the tennis of her life. Other player have accused her of 'faking' it too, most notably her good friend, Aga Radwanska, who complained she simulated an ankle injury during their match in Doha last year.
However nothing compared to the uproar she caused in Brisbane, in January, where she withdrew 30 minutes before her semifinal clash with arch-rival Serena, citing a 'so-called' pedicure infection. There were many voices accusing her of gamesmanship, but I probably agree that you shouldn't take on Serena Williams when you are not 100% fit. She waited until Doha where she finally broke her losing streak to the American in convincing style.
However, then came Dubai, and a decision I did not get. She had the chance to regain her No.1 ranking, Serena was clearly struggling with injuries, the draw was wide open, and yet she still decided to pull out last minute. It was the second straight year that the Belorussian has opted out of the Middle East event to the despair of the organizers.
Entering Indian Wells as the main favourite, she seemed on course for a successful title defense, though, shock shock, she withdrew. It's true that she was battling an ankle injury, but she played with it and still won her last match with Urszula Radwanska 6-3,6-1. Therefore, I cannot but wonder how much of it was actually real. Probably that's the thing that makes everyone doubt her: she is dismissing opponents easily, and then, out of the blue, she cites some kind of an injury that takes everyone by surprise. And she does this quite often too, a fact that got her the not-so-popular title of WTA's 'Drama Queen'.
I really hope Vika is playing smart long-term and that she has good reasons to take this questionable decisions. However, I cannot but feel she is missing on some great wins due to her tendency to over-exaggerate things. Hopefully, she will turn it around and come back swinging in Miami. Vika I want you back on court winning! Let's do this!
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| Azarenka seems to have picked up the ankle injury during her fourth round clash with the younger Radwanska, Urszula. Although she won the match easily, Vika ultimately deciding to withdraw from Indian Wells, where she was the defending champion. She was scheduled to play Caroline Wozniacki in the quarterfinals. |
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