Go Vika!!
Victoria Azarenka loses to Ekaterina Makarova at Madrid OpenAzarena, who was coming back from a two-month lay-off forced by an ankle injury, had only just sneaked past Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the previous round with the help of two lengthy tie-breaks. After Wednesday’s 1-6, 6-2, 6-3 defeat, she attributed her poor form to ring-rust.
“I think it was really noticeable. I made mistakes that I don’t normally do, but that’s what comes after not playing for a long time,” said. “I still have another tournament before the French Open to compete in, and I’m going to go back on the practice court and work hard to improve.”
Azarenka said she felt confused by some refereeing decisions.
"I didn't understand what happened, what I did,'' she said. "I was very sure that I didn't have a code violation, that's why I broke my racket.''
Makarova rallied from 3-1 down in the third set, winning five straight games.
"We played many times before and I didn't win so much,'' Makarova said. "It was a really tough first set for me. When I came out, I wasn't playing as well as I wanted to. Then I got a little bit angry and it was really tough to change my game and my mentality.'' But she credits recent strong Fed Cup play on clay for helping her win. Makarova and Elena Vesnina won the decisive doubles match last month to lift Russia past Slovakia 3-2 and reach the Fed Cup final in November. "I think that gave me a little bit more confidence on clay,'' she said. "I really enjoy these clay courts because it's a little bit faster here. I just tried to move her around more in the second and third sets and it worked.''
The third-ranked Azarenka tried to explain the loss, while praising Makarova.
"I have to give Ekaterina credit, she played really well,'' Azarenka said. "I played more against myself, trying to prove to myself certain things, more than I was focusing on my opponent.''
Azarenka, who missed Indian Wells and the Miami Open in March because of the ankle injury, said she still felt rusty. She's looking forward to another clay tournament - Rome - before heading to Roland Garros.
"I have been making mistakes,'' she said. "But that's what comes after not playing for a long time. I still have another tournament before the French Open to compete in.''
victoria azarenka @vika7
Rome is definitely one of the cities when u drive u want to put on two seat belts. Still love it
Anna Chakvetadze @A_Chakvetadze
@vika7 look who is talking !!!! Like the way YOU drive is save ??? looooool )))
victoria azarenka @vika7 8 h
@A_Chakvetadze me? Me? Me? I think someone forgot the way they drove the last time i visited u. Good eyes?
Anna Chakvetadze @A_Chakvetadze
@vika7 Anyway i'm not that risky ?? And to drive this way in Moscow and in Palm Springs is two different things,girl ???
victoria azarenka @vika7
@A_Chakvetadze ok ok. It's very clear we need to see each other and u will be surprised