Azarenka fights to ‘pinish’ at US Open

Victoria Azarenka. AP file photo

New York, United States—Victoria Azarenka added a new word to the tennis lexicon Saturday after her US Open win against Angelique Kerber—’pinish.’

The two-time runner-up won a third-round thriller 7-5, 2-6, 6-4 on a sixth match point, having trailed 2-5 in the first set.

During changeovers in the Arthur Ashe Stadium contest, the 20th-seeded Belarusian was spotted consulting a series of motivational, self-help tips.

When asked to reveal one, she said, ‘pinish.’

“It was my coach’s idea—it’s a combination of ‘punish’ and ‘finish,'” said Azarenka, who is coached by Sascha Bajin, the former longtime hitting partner of Serena Williams.