Azarenka is just better than Sharapova in every way

[tennis_hack]

Compared to Sharapova, Azarenka: moves way better, plays much better defense, is more solid off of both wings, has a more reliable serve, has some actual variety to her game, is more willing to go to the net to finish off points, is a better volleyer, is not as big of a mental pigeon against Serena.

Seriously, every time I watch Azarenka, I can't fathom how Sharapova, a B-tier version of Azarenka who is essentially immobile, can be more successful.

Can anyone help me understand it?

 

[ollinger]

I will help you understand it. Sharapova is more determined than Azarenka, more consistently disdainful of her opponent. This and a good arsenal of (sometimes erratic) shots has gotten her far.

 

[struggle]

i suppose just look at their records.

they both whine equally. (scream)

 

[NadalAgassi]

Probably true which is why she will win more majors than Maria. Maria will end with 4-5, while Azarenka will likely end with 5-7.

 

[Nathaniel_Near]

I can help you to understand it. Maria Sharapova has been a pro for a much longer period of time than Vika.

 

[NadalAgassi]

Sharapova is not past her prime. This is the best she ever was. She will be passing her prime in a year or two as she is nowhere near talented or athletic enough to last in her prime from 28 onwards like some champions, but for the moment she is equivalent to her best level ever. Sharapova was never a dominant player. Her slam wins are all spread out 2, 3, or 4 slams apart.

 

[SassyRamirez]

Because Maria is older, has been pro longer, and started playing top level major winning tennis at 17?

Azarenka on the other hand is younger and took longer to develop into a major winning caliber player; she was a basket case until 2012.

 

[sureshs]

Compared to Sharapova, Azarenka: moves way better, plays much better defense, is more solid off of both wings, has a more reliable serve, has some actual variety to her game, is more willing to go to the net to finish off points, is a better volleyer, is not as big of a mental pigeon against Serena.

Seriously, every time I watch Azarenka, I can't fathom how Sharapova, a B-tier version of Azarenka who is essentially immobile, can be more successful.

Can anyone help me understand it?

It is fashionable to make comments like this, but I don't think you have a clue about what is involved in high-level tennis. Statements like "essentially immobile" reveal your biased view of what is going on. Learn to appreciate what the pros do without making meaningless and demeaning comparisons.

 

[Russeljones]

Sharapova is better looking and is dating Dimitrov. How can you say Azarenka is superior? /Facepalm

 

[tennis_hack]

Sharapova is better looking and is dating Dimitrov. How can you say Azarenka is superior? /Facepalm

Do you want him for yourself or something?

Azarenka is dating RedFoo: legendary.

 

[Praetorian]

Hey Hack, how do you feel now that Azarenka lost to Sharapova today at the FO?

 

[SLD76]

Apparently azarenka's movement on clay is the one chink in her armor in regards to maria

 

[tennis_hack]

Hey Hack, how do you feel now that Azarenka lost to Sharapova today at the FO?

Apathetic? Really don't care about the women's game.

 

[dafinch]

Apathetic? Really don't care about the women's game.

A strange comment from the originator of this thread. And, btw, what is Redfoo, or whatever his name is , "legendary?" Being a member of the Lucky Sperm Club?

 

[SLD76]

A strange comment from the originator of this thread. And, btw, what is Redfoo, or whatever his name is , "legendary?" Being a member of the Lucky Sperm Club?

Redfoo can afford to buy his own porsche

/troll mode

 

[xanctus]

Vika chokes...I think that is her main challenge she needs to improve.
I have never have issue with those 2 girls screaming/shrieking, but boy looking just the highlight is just loud eh? amazing.
What would they do when they reach orgasm in bed?????

 

[LanceStern]

I fully agree with the original poster (except Sharapova being completely immobile), I remember thinking the exact same thing a couple months back.

• She has a ton more variety in her shots (both flat, accurate or lots of spin)
• She moves quicker and moves better
• She has a more consistent serve
• Her net game is head and shoulders above Sharapova

About the only thing I can think of is that Sharapova has a slightly more aggressive service return game, and she has more power off both wings. Azarenka sometimes sets up the point whereas Sharapova uses power to muffle out any response. Sharapova also shows a lot more determination and mental stability. So she tried hard to NOT LOSE when she's not doing well, whereas Azarenka will sulk. Sharapova gets more consistent and seemlingly hits harder lol.

It's that determination and a little more consistency in power that I think gives Sharapova more success at the moment. Plus she's been on tour longer.

I feel in the long run Azarenka will win more titles if she stays healthy.

The results show it too, Azarenka has had an overall more consistent stay at the top and performs just about the same in EVERY tournament. It explains their head to head, where I believe Azarenka beat Sharapova at least 4 times in a row over the stretch of 2012, some weren't even a contest. In 2012 she won 4 out of their 6 meetups with an overall head to head of 7-6 (source Wikipedia)

Today at French Open, Sharapova won. It's odd she says she feels she's a cow on ice, but she has had consistently far placings in FO since (past 5 FOs she's made it to QF or farther except in 2010)

 

[tennis_hack]

Agree with the above. I don't watch womens tennis a lot, but I always get a sense that Azarenka is a much better, more natural athlete than Sharapova (even now she's got a bit of a belly), has better touch, better tennis IQ - everything really.

Her only downside compared to Sharapova is she can get hot-headed and blow out in some matches.

I actually quite like her game, and I'm sure she would have put up a much better fight against Serena. She's like a female Djokovic with (relatively) a better net game. Sharapova comes across as entirely one-dimensional always.

 

[Gandalf]

Can anyone help me understand it?

Judging by your posts so far I don't think anyone can help you understand anything.

 

[LanceStern]

Agree with the above. I don't watch womens tennis a lot, but I always get a sense that Azarenka is a much better, more natural athlete than Sharapova (even now she's got a bit of a belly), has better touch, better tennis IQ - everything really.

Her only downside compared to Sharapova is she can get hot-headed and blow out in some matches.

I actually quite like her game, and I'm sure she would have put up a much better fight against Serena. She's like a female Djokovic with (relatively) a better net game. Sharapova comes across as entirely one-dimensional always.

Just watching her US Open 2012 match against Serena is fun. She has incredible defense, she finishes some points with a topspin forehand that you just don't see in the women's game (except by Stosur or by an in-form Kuznetsova), and she is CONFIDENT at the net. She moves more fluidly too.

Not to take away from Sharapova. Her consistency and power make up for any weaknesses. She can blow opponents off the court before they figure her out

 

[President]

Sharapova is better looking and has more power on both sides, more powerful serve too. Azarenka gets decent placement on her serve and has good variety but its just so weak it doesn't do damage anyway.

 

[dafinch]

I fully agree with the original poster (except Sharapova being completely immobile), I remember thinking the exact same thing a couple months back.

• She has a ton more variety in her shots (both flat, accurate or lots of spin)
• She moves quicker and moves better
• She has a more consistent serve
• Her net game is head and shoulders above Sharapova

About the only thing I can think of is that Sharapova has a slightly more aggressive service return game, and she has more power off both wings. Azarenka sometimes sets up the point whereas Sharapova uses power to muffle out any response. Sharapova also shows a lot more determination and mental stability. So she tried hard to NOT LOSE when she's not doing well, whereas Azarenka will sulk. Sharapova gets more consistent and seemlingly hits harder lol.

It's that determination and a little more consistency in power that I think gives Sharapova more success at the moment. Plus she's been on tour longer.

I feel in the long run Azarenka will win more titles if she stays healthy.

The results show it too, Azarenka has had an overall more consistent stay at the top and performs just about the same in EVERY tournament. It explains their head to head, where I believe Azarenka beat Sharapova at least 4 times in a row over the stretch of 2012, some weren't even a contest. In 2012 she won 4 out of their 6 meetups with an overall head to head of 7-6 (source Wikipedia)

Today at French Open, Sharapova won. It's odd she says she feels she's a cow on ice, but she has had consistently far placings in FO since (past 5 FOs she's made it to QF or farther except in 2010)

I think it's worth pointing out that for all the hand wringing and gnashing of teeth about Shoulderpova's superiority that, in the last 1.5 years, Aza has 2 Slams to Pova's one, and, overall, has a winning record against her as well.

 

[THUNDERVOLLEY]

I think it's worth pointing out that for all the hand wringing and gnashing of teeth about Shoulderpova's superiority that, in the last 1.5 years, Aza has 2 Slams to Pova's one, and, overall, has a winning record against her as well.

True--and she's only growing in experience, insight and knowing how to expand her game. The same cannot be said of Sharapova.

 

[Carolina Racquet]

I think the big question is this... Is Azarenka committed to being fit? She looks 10lbs heavier that belly isn't getting smaller.

She frankly doesn't have the physique of a world class athlete.

 

[tennis_hack]

I think the big question is this... Is Azarenka committed to being fit? She looks 10lbs heavier that belly isn't getting smaller.

She frankly doesn't have the physique of a world class athlete.

I agree, yet she moves 2x better than Sharapova. Just more naturally built for tennis, more naturally athletic. Everything I watch about Sharapova's game looks labored and artificial.

 

[Bender]

I agree, yet she moves 2x better than Sharapova. Just more naturally built for tennis, more naturally athletic. Everything I watch about Sharapova's game looks labored and artificial.

Especially that reverse forehand she hits. That thing is hideous.

 

[Carolina Racquet]

I agree, yet she moves 2x better than Sharapova. Just more naturally built for tennis, more naturally athletic. Everything I watch about Sharapova's game looks labored and artificial.

I think part of the issue concerning the way Sharapova's game looks is due to her height... she's monster-tall and built like an albatross. Kind of like Isner in a skirt.

My point with Azarenka is that she needs to have a "Djokavic" transformation, which makes you even faster, stronger and more importantly... confident. Is that the missing piece for her to get to and stay at the top?

It still befuddles me how a person who plays hours of tennis each day and needs to care for their body to make a living can have a belly and some "side rolls".

Is it me, or was she much more fit a few years ago??

 

[Bender]

I think part of the issue concerning the way Sharapova's game looks is due to her height... she's monster-tall and built like an albatross. Kind of like Isner in a skirt.

My point with Azarenka is that she needs to have a "Djokavic" transformation, which makes you even faster, stronger and more importantly... confident. Is that the missing piece for her to get to and stay at the top?

It still befuddles me how a person who plays hours of tennis each day and needs to care for their body to make a living can have a belly and some "side rolls".

Is it me, or was she much more fit a few years ago??

Yup, she definitely looks like she's put on weight; can't be good for her game...

 

[v-verb]

wow she looks a LOT different now!

 

[dominikk1985]

sharapova has more firepower but azarenka is more consistent.

I think azarenka will win 1-2 slams more than Maria, but don't Forget who much Maria was injured. had she been healthy (esp. her shoulder) she would have likely won 6-7 Majors already.

 

[THUNDERVOLLEY]

I think part of the issue concerning the way Sharapova's game looks is due to her height... she's monster-tall and built like an albatross.

Kind of like Isner in a skirt.

Thanks for giving the universe its first eternal nightmare.

My point with Azarenka is that she needs to have a "Djokavic" transformation, which makes you even faster, stronger and more importantly... confident. Is that the missing piece for her to get to and stay at the top?

Cahill says she and her coach are studying Serena, so aside from all that can be absorbed from Serena's knowledge, fitness should be an element, as Evert observed yesterday about a woman in her 30s.

 

[tennixpl]

a little fat doesn't make her out of shape

I think part of the issue concerning the way Sharapova's game looks is due to her height... she's monster-tall and built like an albatross. Kind of like Isner in a skirt.

My point with Azarenka is that she needs to have a "Djokavic" transformation, which makes you even faster, stronger and more importantly... confident. Is that the missing piece for her to get to and stay at the top?

It still befuddles me how a person who plays hours of tennis each day and needs to care for their body to make a living can have a belly and some "side rolls".

Is it me, or was she much more fit a few years ago??

while she looks better, it depends on what her weight is now. if she has some pudge but more muscle she is probably better off now then when she "looked" better. of course she would be better off without the pudge and keeping the muscle.

As far as how a pro can have fat on them, we are all different and not everyone takes the game to the extreme in all elements of life. a true athlete diet would not really be much fun and she seems to still do well enough without counting every macro she puts into her body and having a full time dietitian and cook.
its funny how we demand athlete be perfect and take their "jobs" so seriously but how many of us do that in our jobs, are we not professionals at what we do? I'd rather see her happy healthy and playing well than being miserable to lose a few pounds and drop out of the game bc of it.