Whoo an Azarenka post. Fantastic. Not always my favourite player but man when her game is on, is it ever on?

First saw her play against Golovin in a match which was indoors. She lost the match and Golovin ended up losing in the final to Henin, but man her fight, her grit, her toughness and that whooing sound she makes (it actually makes me laugh) made me an instant fan.

I learned a long time ago that there are 2 things that are apparent in the WTA (and this was brought out to me with the introduction of on court coaching). 90% of the players on tour are insecure about their games. 65% of them need constant reassurance from their teams that they are doing well and 98% of them need someone to hold their hands to get to the line and even moreso to cross it. Azarenka is in one of those many percentages.

Not every player who shouts come on (in any language), has a fist pump, gives deadly stares, comes in on the second serve and tries to intimidate their opponent is a fighter. Azarenka is one of these.

What Azarenka does is that she fights. She fights until a better fighter comes along and knocks her out for the count. I wish she had Wozniacki's mental toughness. I wish she had Wozniacki's ability to remain in the point until she is able to put it away. She has the shots, she just does not have the confidence.

I think what would be good for Azarenka is not to have so much of a transference of belief in her skills but to have that ingrained belief in herself. Maybe then she would believe that she can indeed take the next step and become a champion of the game.

She rocks! And you have to believe that her best Grand Slam moments are still in the future...

Just saw that Ana had to retire against Kim - what a shame, to end a strong week with an R in the semis. Hope this is nothing that will keep her from New Haven, as she's my last reason to attend this year.

I like Vika's fight, too - but she's too AzaCRANKY for me. Serena is the unrivaled queen of WTA fighters, but even Fierce Queen smiles.

She is soo on my radar! Loved this Cincy profile of her :)

I really like her, I like that intense personality and he looks, and I remember watching her practice in the USO, very intense, with a male hitting partner.

Bobby ~ Really enjoyed this. Thanks for realizing that even "meanies" need love. :) Also liked how you captured one of the fun parts about watching an Azarenka match (esp. live) -- the fact that ppl are never quite sure what to make of her.

Or - Funny you mention Vika's practice sessions. I saw her practicing at the Stanford tournament a few weeks ago and her fierce-ness even then made me a bigger fan.

Tina,ditto about Serena!
I do love Azzarenka though,she's one of the players I'd like to knock down some other players for me before they get to Serena or Vee,I know a little bit chicken-nesque but hey me my thing is for my champions to win...anyhow!except from cheating...

Thanks, Guys, for the comments. It's been an odd day today in Cincy, hasn't it?

Nice article about Azarenka. I like her a lot, in fact maybe 2nd only behind my favorite.

I <3 Azarenka and I hope she wins montreal. that would be a good win for her and give her a boost for the us open. maybe she will save montreal as ivanovic did in 2006.

Fabulous post, Bobby! Love to read about Azarenka and I love the way you wrote about her more vulnerable-seeming side as opposed to the "Queen of Nastiness" stuff. :)

Bobby Many thanks.I love your insight on Azarenka.I feel at times she is her own "worst enemy.I feel she has to find a balance on court.I love her passion though sometimes too much can get in the way.

She certainly has the belief which is soo important.

I have got to like her more.Maybe I understand her more.She has the game.

We Gonna See No?

Thanks Bobby. Not a fan of Azarenka, but no denying she's got game....still expect some great results to come her way in the near future.

Bobby,
Thanks for the reports on Victoria. Good read.

Tennis is my favorite sport, my favorite star is Andy Roddick.