Philosophical Victoria Azarenka: ‘It’s painful to lose, but I’m not going to sit here and be miserable’

US Open
Victoria Azarenka runner-up at 2020 US Open

Losing a Grand Slam final is never easy, but Victoria Azarenka was philosophical after her US Open defeat at the hands of Naomi Osaka, saying “I’m not disappointed”.

Playing in her first major final since 2013, Azarenka lost her third US Open trophy after Osaka came from a set down to defeat her 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 in the showpiece match at Flushing Meadows.

Despite the defeat, it has been an incredible couple of weeks for the resurgent Azarenka, who had struggled to reach her peak again after returning from maternity leave, as she won the Western & Southern Open in the build-up to the US Open and also came close to winning a fourth major on Saturday.

“I’m not disappointed. I’m not necessarily disappointed. It’s just painful. It’s painful to lose. That is what it is. It was close. I was close. But it didn’t go my way,” the 31-year-old said after the match.

“Am I going to think about it too long? Not at all. I said it. I win or I lose, I’m not going to change. I’m not going to sit here and be miserable. This was an experience that was just an experience that didn’t go my way.

“I had a great two weeks. I enjoyed myself. I did everything I could today. Could I have played better? I think I could. But I left everything I could on the court today. She won the match. All the credit to Naomi. She’s a champion.

“As I said, I thought third time is a charm, but I got to try again. That’s what I’m going to do (smiling).”

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Victoria Azarenka

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