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Venus Game is More about Precision: Azarenka

But if you talk to Victoria Azarenka, as we did after the women’s singles final of the Dubai Tennis Championships on Saturday, the emerging Belarusian would tell you that Venus’ game is not just about power. “It’s more about precision,” the world number six said after getting a lesson in tennis from an ageing champion.

“She was making it on the lines, close to the lines. There was more about that. She was just, you know, making it look simple. It’s not just about power.”

In the second set, Azarenka, one of the most glamorous players on the WTA Tour, displayed her ability to turn her racquet into a sword. She was threatening to attack arguably the most aggressive player in the history of women’s tennis.

But Venus was not in a mood to allow a pretty Belarusian to rebel. With some ferocious ground-strokes and booming serves, the former world number one destroyed her rival’s confidence. “Yeah, I was leading in the second set, but it was no break, you know. It was hard.

“Venus came up with some big shots.

“You know, I think overall the game was really good. The quality of tennis was very high from both of us.

“Maybe, you know, I had a little bit of bad luck on a few balls. But I’m proud of what I did today,” said Azarenka, who would have become world number five if she had won.

“Yeah, there is nothing else you can do. You just have to accept that.”

The young challenger admired the precise shot making ability of the seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus. But she also admitted that Venus and Serena have got the most powerful serves in women’s tennis.

“Well, obviously Venus’s serve is very strong. Even Serena also gave me a 200 (kmph) at the Australian Open.

“It’s actually pretty painful if you don’t hit it right (laughing). But, you know, that’s their big strength, you know, the serve. What can you do? You just try to work and get the same.”

Well, she may have lost the final, but Victoria Azarenka had reasons to be happy. The Belarusian is no more a counter-puncher.

“I think I changed my game a little bit. I became a better player, a more aggressive player. I am now tougher player to beat.

“You know, I’m very proud with the work I’m doing, and just for me it’s just extra motivation to go back and try a little harder. Because I’m enjoying tennis so much like I never did in my life before.”