Victoria Azarenka

Few players have as impressive an Australian Open CV as Victoria Azarenka, who joins Viv and Matt ahead her AO 2025 campaign. The 35-year-old first competed at Melbourne Park as a junior 20 years ago when she won the 2005 girls' singles title. And she joined rarified air by winning the women's singles title at the same tournament she'd conquered as a junior, triumphing in 2012 — her first Grand Slam singles title, which catapulted her to world No.1. She defended her title in 2013 and remained the last woman to go back-to-back at the AO until countrywoman Aryna Sabalenka emulated her feat in 2024. Now a mother to eight-year-old Leo, Azarenka is candid and reflective at this stage of her career, and even more motivated to leave the sport in a better place than she found it. iHeart Spotify Apple Podcasts PodLink Host handles: @Viv_Christie @MattyAT See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we are joined by 2x Grand Slam champion and former world number one, Victoria Azarenka. Born in Belarus, during the final years of the Soviet Union, Victoria’s career in tennis started purely by chance. After moving to the USA as a teenager to pursue her dream she would go on to become the first Belarusian to capture a tennis Grand Slam, winning the Australian Open in 2012. But now she has found herself in the middle of tensions, as the sporting and political worlds collide… 18+ please gamble responsibly. Warning: this episode contains language that some people may find offensive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the high-profile tennis coaches from the WTA circuit, Wim Fissette recently sat down with EssentiallySports in an exclusive interview. Undoubtedly he has worked and produced some greatest players in the women's game and immensely contributed to the sport. His contributions to tennis are simply off the charts and ultimately he has been instrumental in changing the women’s game by training Grand Slam champions Kim Clijsters, Victoria Azarenka, Angelique Kerber, Naomi Osaka, and others. He passionately divulged his working experiences with top-notch tennis stars. About EssentiallySports: EssentiallySports is a digital-first sports media house that was launched in 2014 and is owned by Full Spectrum Services LLP. It publishes the latest news & features with 'The Fan's Perspective' on UFC, NBA, NFL, NASCAR, eSports, Tennis, Formula 1, Boxing, WWE, and Golf to 30M+ Monthly Readers. With an audience from over 150 countries including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, EssentiallySports enjoys a stronghold among sports enthusiasts. Find everything important from the world of sports at www.essentiallysports.com Social Media Twitter - https://twitter.com/es_sportsnews Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/essentiallysports/

Melody Johnson has been involved in the martial arts community for over 30 years, using it as a fun & exciting instrument in the world of child development. She joins the show to discuss how she found refuge from bullying in her sport, why she was called to teach the youth, and how she raises her own kids with a self-written curriculum based on love and affection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Sparr was a former college tennis standout in the 1980s at Ohio State, but he struggled internally with his mental health at a time when help was limited. Sparr turned to the painting to manage his issues, he joins the show to explain exactly how his new hobby saved his life and propelled him to be a vessel in helping others. The conversation is very informative, covering Sparr's interest in painting tennis-specific pieces, started a business that offers support to people with mental health struggles, and how he dealt with the new burdens & challenges of isolation during the pandemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brandon Marshall was an all-pro wide receiver in the NFL, but he was also one of the first prominent celebrities to go public with his mental health struggles. He joins Azarenka for an emotional interview on how overlooked athlete wellbeing is, how therapy changed his life, and why helping others is ultimately his true purpose. Marshall & Azarenka get very candid in their own personal struggles, and lament on the social media age and all the drama that can bring to an athlete in chase of perfection. The relationship between fans & players is also discussed, as well as the need to continue having difficult & often heartfelt conversations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jon Wertheim has been one of the most respected sports journalists for several decades, having worked for Sports Illustrated, Tennis Channel, & 60 Minutes as a feature contributor. He joins the show for a enlightening discussion on the delicate relationship between athletes & journalists, & how trust is established in some cases while unfortunately eroded in others. Wertheim dives into how fans in the current climate consume their news, state of professional tennis, & how the WTA can grow and exalt their talented collection of players. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the second of a two-part interview, Seal joins Azarenka to discuss the burning desire he has for performing, how the changes in the music industry have impacted his creative process, and the admiration he has for tennis. Seal details his love for playing the sport as well, and why the focus it requires is much needed in his own life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first of a two-part interview, Seal joins the show to discuss how he developed a passion for music and found his voice on the path to being a global star. The singer recalls his first musical influences, the support he received along his journey, and why he continues to be driven by his passion for music. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Grutman is known worldwide as being an innovator in the world of hospitality & night life. He chats with Azarenka about how he found his career path, and why it's not always as glamorous as it seems. Grutman dives into why some of his big mistakes & regrets ultimately propelled him to greater success, and how he built up a reputation that started in Miami and stretched across the globe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices