Monica Seles and Steffi Graf are undoubtedly two of the most influential tennis players of all time. They transcended the sport in the 90s with their rivalry. The unfortunate stabbing incident derailed the rivalry but they still managed to meet on 15 occasions. Fans in the 90s and early 2000s would always look up to them. Not just the fans, but the professional players as well.

Recently, a two-time grand slam champion recalled how she imagined the two legends in her childhood. Victoria Azarenka reminisced about her childhood in one of the interviews and spoke on Graf and Seles. The Belarusian also stated a disappointing fact at the same time.

Victoria Azarenka shares her childhood memories

It comes as no surprise that Azarenka looked up to Graf and Seles. Most players have idolized yesteryear legends from their early days. Azarenka however, took her admiration to a different level by mixing it with her imagination. She said, “I’d imagine when I was 10 years old playing against the wall that I’m playing in Wimbledon or US Open or Australian Open & I’m beating Steffi Graf, who I never had the chance to play against, or Monica Seles.”

Not everyone is lucky enough to share the court with their rivals. Azarenka was certainly the unlucky one. She turned pro in 2003, four years after Graf’s retirement. So, there was no possibility for Azarenka to take on the German. Similarly, Seles also played her last professional tennis match in 2003 (despite officially retiring in 2008).

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Despite not being able to share the court with her childhood idols, Azarenka was lucky enough to form a strong rivalry with the GOAT Serena Williams.

Victoria Azarenka’s rivalry with Serena Williams

Azarenka played 23 matches against Serena Williams. Although the Belarusian only managed to win 5 matches, the two players put on a show every time they went against each other. In fact, Azarenka managed to register wins in some of the biggest finals at Indian Wells, Miami and Cincinnati Open.

The US Open finals from 2012 and 2013 are considered to be among the best slam finals of all time where Serena and Azarenka stunned the world with their impeccable ball striking.

what do you think about Arazenka’s performance so far in Wimbledon? Let us know in the comments below.

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