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NEW YORK (Reuters) – Victoria Azarenka is in top form and ready to go the distance in her first Grand Slam final in seven years, coach Dorian Descloix said on Friday, a day before their US Open showdown against former champion Naomi Osaka.
“Physically she is ready, to be honest. He worked a lot the last few months, ”he said. “I worked in fitness every day. Even on the court we did a lot of long sessions on the court. Now it’s ready. “
The 31-year-old returned from a one-set deficit to defeat 23-year-old Grand Slam winner Serena Williams in her semi-final match inside Arthur Ashe Stadium on Thursday, returning to the top of the sport after a long plagued road. of setbacks.
Azarenka, a two-time Australian Open winner, stunned at the Western & Southern Open, killing competitors before winning on a course after failing to secure a victory of any kind in a year.
To topple the world’s number four Osaka, Descloix said he must “play his game.”
“(She) has to be relaxed on the court, just to mix a lot. It has a great shot panel, ”she said. “She has to stay exactly the same.”
Descloix joined Azarenka in February as a hitting partner, before becoming her coach, as the pair set out to mount their remarkable professional comeback.
“To be honest, it’s my first coaching experience,” he said. “Vika is a great player, so it was difficult for me in the beginning. We talk a lot. I learn every day with Vika. “
Reporting by Amy Tennery; Editing by Sandra Maler
