You might not know who Victoria Azarenka is yet, but if she has anything to say about it, you soon will. The 19 year old "Vika" from Belarus is looking to emerge in 2009. Victoria has already taken her place in the world’s top 10, and with the tennis looking for a new star, this summer could be her time to shine.

1. You’ve started out 2009 very strong, how would your rate your performances this year?

Yeah my performances this year been really good I think.  Winning Brisbane was a really big step for me and I just started believing in myself that I could win the tournaments and the big matches.  Beating Serena at the Sony Ericsson was the biggest win on my career, and I am just so happy that I finished that match.

2. What improvements to your game would you like to make in 2009?

Well there are always things to work on and improve in your game, and I want to keep working hard and improve my serve and just my game overall.

3. Tennis brings you to so many places across the world, do you have a favorite?

  Yeah I love going to Australia, it is one of my favorite places to travel to.

4. What is the one tournament you would like to win the most?

 Of course my goal is to win a Grand Slam, and my favorite ones are the US Open and Australian Open so I would really like to win one of these.

5. There are a lot of people who think you could become the next great tennis champion how are you handling you’re rise to fame and pressure.

 You know, right now I'm just thinking about playing and the next match.  If I'm going to get too excited, I won't be able to play.

6.  How do you celebrate winning a tournament?

  Well after winning in Miami the Tour made a reservation for me, my coach and trainer, mom and friends and we all went to Nobu and celebrated.  I usually do something fun after winning a big tournament.

7. Since so many young men are becoming fans of yours.  I feel obliged to ask; what would your ideal date consist of?

 Haha, yeah I like to go out to nice restaurants and have dinner, and then afterwards go out somewhere in the city I am in and do something fun or go somewhere that plays good music.

8. Outside of tennis, is there something you enjoy doing, or do you have any hobbies?

 Yeah I love shopping, I am just crazy about it.  I love buying Gucci clothes and Diro shoes, and every city I go to I usually do some shopping there.  Also, something most people don’t know about me is that I really like cars a lot and driving fast.  I want to get a new Mercedes.

9. Looking ahead to what is your goal and expectations for the year?

 Well I really want to win a Grand Slam. That’s the whole reason I'm playing, you know.  I think everybody's goal is to try to be #1. I'm not going to say, yeah, I'm going to be there, but I'll try to do my best. 

**Images used with permission from: via BEST Tennis  - Top Image credit: (RON C. ANGLE) bottom image: (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Follow up: After this interview I can say two things for certain.  Vika is determined to reach the top echelon of tennis players.  The other is if your city, need a jolt to its retail sector, host a tennis tournament, because Azarenka is a shopper! The WTA is having a hard time keeping its stars on the court. Sharapova seemly hasn’t been healthy for a year, and Jankovic and Ivanovic also have been struggling with injuries. The Williams sister are into their late twenties, and the WTA could really use a fresh young face.  It’s going to be a very important summer for Victoria, we’ll see if see can capitalize.