“She’s always checking in on me,” Victoria Azarenka opens up about her ‘more than tennis’ relationship with WTA hall-of-famer Chris Evert

Azarenka used to train at Evert's academy in Boca, Florida. A journalist asked Azarenka about the topics she usually discusses with Evert.

“She’s always checking in on me,” Victoria Azarenka opens up about her ‘more than tennis’ relationship with WTA hall-of-famer Chris Evert

Chris Evert, Victoria Azarenka (Images via X)

Victoria Azarenka will be playing in the semifinals of the ongoing Miami Open, where she is a three-time champion. In the previous round, she fought hard to knock out Yulia Putintseva in three sets: 7-6 (7-4), 1-6, 6-3.

After her win, she sat down to meet the press, where a journalist asked her about the relationship she shares with WTA Hall-of-Famer Chris Evert. Notably, Azarenka used to train at Evert’s academy in Boca, Florida.

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The journalist also asked Azarenka about the topics she usually discusses with Evert. Azarenka lavished praise on the tennis great and revealed that the two don’t talk much about tennis.

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Chrissie is a dear friend, for sure. I definitely look up to her. As you said, she's an incredible legend of our sport. What she has done for women's tennis is undeniable. I feel like we don't necessarily talk so much about tennis. I really appreciate her as a person. She's been going through some difficult moments in the last few years.
Azarenka said during the press conference

The Belarusian further added that getting the support of a legendary player like Evert pushes her to do better.

Definitely just trying to kind of support her in that way. But she's always checking in on me, always wishing me the best. She believes in me pretty strongly. So it definitely gives me definitely a boost of energy that somebody like Chrissie really, you know, has my back and really believes in me and pushes me forward.
Azarenka added

Victoria Azarenka will face Elena Rybakina in the Miami Open semifinals

After eliminating Yulia Putintseva, Victoria Azarenka will meet fourth-seeded Elena Rybakina in the semifinals of the Miami Open. This will be the fourth time the two will face each other.

Victoria Azarenka
Elena Rybakina, Victoria Azarenka (Images via X)

Rybakina has always dominated in matches against the Belarusian, as she leads the head-to-head record by 3-0. They last faced each other at the 2024 Dubai Open, where the World No. 32 was forced to retire. The other two times they met in tournaments were at the 2023 Australian Open and the 2022 Indian Wells.

Meanwhile, Rybakina is searching for her third title this year since winning the Brisbane International and the Abu Dhabi Open. She came close to winning her third after reaching the final of the Qatar Open (where Iga Swiatek beat her).

Azarenka has not yet won a title this year. However, she is a three-time champion in Miami and is looking forward to winning another one.

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