Vika Needs To Be Victorious To Gain The Love

By Joe McDonald

Victoria Azarenka upset defending champion Samantha Stosur in the 2012 US Open quarterfinals

(September 4, 2012) -- In tennis, love may mean nothing, but in New York love means championships.

And to get the admiration of the crowd, you need to win, baby.

This is the lesson No. 1 seed Victoria Azarenka is learning at the Open. The bubbly Belarusian has having fun at the Open, as she makes the semifinals for the first time, but at the same time she is facing an uphill battle with the getting the respect from the New York crowd, even with the No. 1 ranking.

Today, the crowd pushed for No. 9 seed Sam Stosur in their three set tiebreaking effort. Azarenka’s pinpoint precision won out against the Aussie’s ferocious serve, but most of the cheers went for last year’s champion rather than the No. 1 seed. Even on Twitter, most of the tweets were pushing for #Stosur rather than #Vika.

That’s because Americans love a champion. They love the ones who have gone through the crucible of winning. So for Victoria to become loved, she needs to be victorious.

Right now, she’s in line to do just that.

“I'm really looking forward to play the tough battles I have still in the tournament,” she said. “You know, for being first time in the semifinals in the US Open is incredible feeling for me. Definitely I don't want to stop. I really want it bad.”

“I'm going to do absolutely everything I have, you know, to give it all here.”

She’s also having the time of her life. On Sunday, she took Redfoo of the band LMFAO into the press conference with her and she dances to the music as she hits balls in the stand.

There’s nothing this 23 year-old is doing wrong here and slowly she is getting noticed.

In fact, unlike many other European players, Vika hearts NY.

“I love New York, you know,” she exclaimed. “ I feel like it's a great place, just a beautiful city. It's one of my favorite places in the world. “I said it many times that I feel like fans are really appreciative here. Really feel like they make you feel special when you step on the court. They are so educated with tennis.

“But not only with tennis but the whole sports in the States. The energy when you walk on the court, you feel the crowd, you feel the boost. I don't know. I'm very energetic person. I like to be, you know, energetic.

“So for me it's perfect.”

Yes they tennis fans here are educated. They like their winners, which is why Roger Federer will never get booed in New York and Andre Agassi never has to pay for a drink in the city.

However, the Belarusian has a chance to prove herself this week. And she very well will have to take the hard road to do it.

There is a good chance No. 3 seed Maria Sharapova will right herself and win her match against Marion Bartoli, meaning Azarenka will have to take out the 2006 champion and then Serena Williams very well looms in the finals.

Both are liked former champions and loved by many in the crowd, but they also have their detractors as well.

If Azarenka goes through that road, then she very well could become a New York favorite. And her actions this past week says she is looking forward to the challenge.

And if she becomes the 2012 Champion, New York will love and appreciate her.

Because nothing beats a winner in Gotham.

(Photo Credit: Andy Kentla)