After a complicated period when she thought about retirement, Belarus had a blast alongside a Frenchman who took up her first post. A master stroke …
Next night, on the occasion of the fourth US Open women’s quarterback between Victoria Azarenka and Elise Mertens, there will likely be some tight shots in the stands at Stadium Arthur Ashe on a tall, unshaven dude. This is the French Dorian Descloix, the new coach of Belarus. Former 666th in the world, he is still 92nd French. So he hits the ball well …
A year ago, he was going to seek cachet in French tournaments. He had even been seen not far from Cap Nègre – near Lavandou – in the final of a “beach tournament”. Today, this 32-year-old Southerner is living a daydream alongside the invincible Belarusian. In addition, he has the chance to avoid the two hotels blocked by the American Federation since “Vika” has rented a nice house to make the most of the presence of his son Leo.
Dorian Descloix was known in the industry to be a great friend of Gaël Monfils. He had accompanied him as a coach / sparring partner on the South American tour in 2017. And as “Monf” “is very close to Victoria Azarenka, we say to ourselves that…
Descloix: “An opportunity that I seized”
“It’s strange fate: Gaël is Victoria’s best friend on the circuit but he absolutely did not put me in touch with her, laughs Dorian Descloix. In fact, it was Patrick Mouratoglou who thought of me because Victoria Azarenka was looking for a team for 2020. Kerei Abakar, the high level director of his Academy, offered me to join the team as a sparring partner, at first. It was a great opportunity that I seized. “
Surrounded by French people – physical trainer and physiotherapist – Victoria Azarenka does not regret this choice. “I started working with Dorian in February, just before I went to Monterrey,” she told RMC Sport. During the lockdown, Dorian was a bit distant because he had two twins, he had a good reason ! But we stayed in touch. It’s cool to have guys around my age. We have things in common. I think we learn from each other. also important to keep mental freshness. “
Beaten on August 11 in the first round in Lexington by Venus Williams, Victoria Azarenka has not lost a match since. Titled in Cincinnati, the Belarusian has the opportunity this Wednesday to qualify for her third semi-final at Flushing Meadows, seven years after her last appearance.
“She was world number 1, she has something more than the others, we can feel the flame, assures Dorian Descloix. There are still three matches to go, we will still dream. It will be played out in details . “
