OMNIUM BANQUE NATIONALE

August 12, 2021

Victoria Azarenka

Press Conference

V. AZARENKA/M. Sakkari

6-4, 3-6, 7-6

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Would you mind walking us through the match and how you thought your performance was out there today.

VICTORIA AZARENKA: Well, I thought it was a really good fight. There was a lot of really good rallies. Maria played really well. I think the third set was, like, really toe-to-toe. I was able to take the advantage in important moments and stay really strong in the tiebreak. It was a great match.

After a break from tournaments, those kind of matches I think are really important for me to be able to find the way out. It was really good.

Q. How is it for you playing against an upcoming player like Maria Sakkari and Aryna next round, players who looked up to you when they were younger? When you were a younger player, you faced players you admired. How is it for you to be in the other position?

VICTORIA AZARENKA: Honestly, I don't think on the court I pay attention to that. I think that from my generation there is not that many players playing. But still good to see the same generation players doing well.

I don't really pay attention honestly on the court that way playing against Maria. And tomorrow against Aryna, it's an incredible opportunity for me to have those challenges in front of me, try to find solutions for those challenges, like I've done today. I'm really looking forward to those battles. It's all about that for me going out there on the court.

Q. Is there any particular vibe going inside you when you play against Aryna in particular, or is it like any other opponent?

VICTORIA AZARENKA: Particular vibe? No, I don't think so. I always feel really happy when she's doing well because she's from the same country as me. I've seen her kind of growing up, stepping into the competitive world. So I always very happy to see her.

Facing against Aryna, she's a very difficult opponent. She's another player that I have to find solutions.

So on the court, no, I don't really feel any difference.

Q. Can you tell me how has the heat affected you this week in Montreal? Do you do something different when it's hot and humid like this week?

VICTORIA AZARENKA: Well, I came from Florida, so it's not that hot and that humid for me (smiling). I'm handling it okay.

Q. I know you are a big fan of Lionel Messi. How do you feel him now with Paris Saint-Germain?

VICTORIA AZARENKA: I think it's very sad for all the Barcelona fans. I could see the really emotional press conference that he gave leaving. I think it's kind of an end of an era there.

I think his career, to bring a new legacy to another country, for more kids to maybe be inspired and fall in love with football is really cool. I will definitely support that.

I've been a Paris Saint-Germain fan for quite a while now, so that adds to it.

How did my love start? I was just watching him play. Just the way he handled himself on the pitch, he's so talented and so different from all the other players. I also love how humble he is, so...