Two-time singles major champion Victoria Azarenka stepped up to the microphone after her third-round Australian Open win and delivered Australian quad wheelchair tennis legend Dylan Alcott a heart-melting tribute.
The moving words followed Azarenka’s 6-0 6-2 win over Ukrainian Elina Svitolina at Rod Laver Arena this afternoon, setting up a fourth-round match against Czech Barbora Krejcikova.
The 32-year-old then had beautiful words for Alcott on the cusp of his final professional tournament.
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The quad wheelchair singles tournament will begin at the quarter-final stage and Alcott will start his campaign against Dutchman Niels Vink.
The 31-year-old, who’s won 15 grand slam singles titles and eight major doubles crowns, will also feature in the doubles at the Melbourne Park event, pairing up with fellow Australian Heath Davidson against Vink and Sam Schroder.
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Azarenka made it clear in her on-court interview that she’d be among the most avid onlookers as Alcott graces the court a final time.
“He’s been my inspiration for a while and I’m so proud (of) how much involvement there is of him in Australia,” Azarenka said.
“Those guys, the wheelchair tennis (players) – they deserve so much recognition.
“I just hope you guys come and watch them.
“They are way better than us. That’s just my opinion and I just want to kind of give (Alcott) a shout-out.
“I know it’s his last tournament and I can’t wait to see what he’s going to do next.
“He’s an amazing personality.
“What a story, the resilience, the determination.
“He inspires me a lot.”
Alcott has won every Australian Open quad wheelchair singles title since 2015.
Azarenka conquered the Melbourne major in 2012 and 2013.
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