World No. 1 Victoria Azarenka says that one of the reasons why it took her until age 22 to reach the top spot and win a major is because she looked too far ahead. Azarenka reached the semifinals of the U.S. Open on Tuesday with a dramatic three-set win over defending champion Samantha Stosur.
“The ambitions are really high, but I don't like to jump ahead too much,” Azarenka said when asked about what her future ambitions are. “That's what I felt kind of was holding me back before, is to have that image that I want it so bad that I'm going to go for it. I just try to execute being a good player, improve myself as a player, my physical aspect, and the result is second for me right now.”
The Belarussian, who has not won a title since Indian Wells in March, added that she has missed winning titles.
“Oh, yes,” said Azarenka, who is guaranteed to retain the No. 1 ranking through the U.S. Open. “Of course, everybody wants to feel and raise the trophy. Definitely everywhere I go I want to win the tournament. That's the ambition; that's the mindset. When you come to any event, you know, doesn't matter if it's a Grand Slam, I always want to win. I love winning. Who doesn't?”