Czech teenager tennis sensational Linda Fruhvirtova is living the dream at the age of 16. She went past the experienced Victoria Azarenka in the third round clash to become the youngster ever player to reach the fourth round at the Miami Open since 2004.
The former World number one was the favorite to go ahead in the tournament but she struggled with injuries and had to retire, handing Linda Fruhvirtova a walkover to the fourth round. Fruhvirtova will now face Spanish star Paula Badosa where again the teenager will start the game as an underdog but the way she is playing one can expect bizarre outcomes.
The 16-year-old was sensational against two-time Grand Slam winner Victoria Azarenka. She was in the driver’s seat with a 6-2, 3-0 scoreline when the Belarussian decided to hand the walkover. Otherwise, the youngster was in for a complete drubbing against one of the most experienced players in the women’s circuit.
It has been a tough couple of months for the 32-year-old veteran. Azarenka broke down in tears after her defeat against Elena Rykabina at the Indian Wells last month. Azarenka looked way out of sorts against a much-inexperienced opponent. Fruhvirtova hardly gave her any chance to come back in the game.
The youngster was uncertain of what has happened to her opponent but she revealed how she did not want to win this way. However, she wished Azarenka the best and hopes that she will get better in no time.
“I don’t know what happened at the end,” Fruhvirtova told AFP.
“She was struggling with some injuries. I don’t know but it was an honor to share the court with her. You never want to end the match this way but it happens. We shook hands and then she walked off,” she added.
Linda Fruhvirtova shared how all these are the things that she dreamt of as a child
But despite all the trouble with Azarenka, it was Fruhvirtova’s golden moment as she became the youngest tennis star to reach the round of 16 at the Miami Open ever since French tennis star Tatiana Golovin, who achieved the feat way back in 2004.
When asked about her feeling to achieve such a feat at such a young age, Fruhvirtova stated that it is very hard for her to describe her feelings. She is still getting used to playing at big stadiums, amidst the crowd and playing against some of the biggest names in tennis.
“I don’t even know how to describe it. These are exactly the things that I have always dreamt of, playing in these big stadiums, in front of so many people is definitely a big dream come true and I am enjoying it totally.”
“I think playing against Vika (Victoria Azarenka) was definitely cool. She was one of the players I grew up watching and she was surely one of the players I look up to. So it was very special for me to be on the court with her,” the young Czech concluded.
