Victoria Azarenka: The New Queen of Tennis?

This is the year for Victoria Azarenka. She has a chance to become the new star of women's tennis. The WTA certainly could use a fresh face capable of contending on a regular basis for the next half decade. The 20 year old Azarenka, who hails from Belarus has the opportunity to be that star.

First she'll have to beat the current queen of tennis Serena Williams today at the Australian Open. Serena is with out question one of the three top players in history of tennis, and when healthy and determined possibly the best.

Azarenka did make the Australian Open Final back in 2008, and the French Open final last year, so she isn't an unknown. The fact that she is somewhat familiar with the spotlight should have her prepared to reach the next level. However now she has finally grown into her 5'11 frame, and looks ready to emerge as a top player in the women's game. Women's Tennis needs some fresh faces, especially one that can be at the top for the next five years.

The WTA certainly needs a star, for that matter they could use a couple. Ivanovic and Jankovic have failed to live up to their billing. The William Sisters are probably in the last few years of their careers. Venus and Serena have always done things their own way, so they could dominate for another few years or just decide to move on to other things. Unfortunately for them, their only consistent rivals have been themselves. Maria Sharapova is always injured and never plays enough to attract fans to women's tennis. Her love of the camera and focuses off the court, still leaves the need for a player who is most known for accomplishments on the court.

The worry is Vika will spend too much time doing photo shoots like this one for FHM. She does like shopping as anyone follows her - @vika7 comes to find out. The fact that is great friends with follow young tennis players Caroline Wozniacki, Svetlana Kuznetsova, and others should help her focus on tennis. I just have the impression after interviewing her that she's grounded enough and has the desire to want to be a star tennis player

Of course if this is her year, she has to beat Serena today before this conversation can go any further.