Victoria Azarenka compliments Sloane Stephens on a 'great job' as the American's foundation receives prestigious Catalyst Award

Victoria Azarenka shared her appreciation for Sloane Stephens as her foundation became the proud recipient of the Catalyst Award.

The American established the Sloane Stephens Foundation in 2013 with a mission to improve the well-being of youths by introducing them to tennis as a means for lifelong education and healthy choices. The foundation was set up with the goal of promoting positive lifestyles, proper nourishment, physical fitness involvement, and academic opportunities, with the ultimate aim of fostering a positive future for youngsters.

On Monday, Stephens shared that the Sloane Stephens Foundation was recently honored with the Catalyst Award, which recognizes diversity and inclusion initiatives that provide representation for women and other underrepresented groups. The foundation received a donation of $25,000 as well.

"Excited to share that the Sloane Stephens Foundation is proud recipient of the Catalyst Award, supported by Google, Austin Community Foundation, and Dropshot Tournament Series! I am so grateful for the generous donations and proud to be part of a community that empowers women!," Stephens shared.

Victoria Azarenka shared her admiration for Stephens and congratulated her on a job well done.

"Great job Sloane," Azarenka wrote.

Victoria Azarenka discusses her goals for the 2023 season

Victoria Azarenka at the Dubai Tennis Championships

Following a semifinal run at the Australian Open, Victoria Azarenka competed at the Qatar Open in February, where she lost a closely-contested encounter against Belinda Bencic in the second round. She subsequently contested the Dubai Tennis Championships, where she breezed past Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in a straight-sets victory in her opening match.

While speaking at the post-match press conference, the former World No. 1 opened up about her recent results. She revealed that the loss against Bencic was frustrating as she had been leading the match after the first set but failed to maintain her momentum.

"I mean, honestly it's kind of hard to tell. I feel like I'm playing well. I felt like I played really well in Doha. I didn't convert the match, but I played against a great opponent who has a lot of confidence, a lot of momentum," Azarenka said.

Azarenka also revealed that her goal for the season was to find and maintain consistency during tournaments for successful results.

"The season is long. I'm hoping to play a little bit more this year, a bit more consistency through the tournaments, and really see how I can build throughout the season. I'm excited for that," she said.

The two-time Grand Slam champion battled past Amanda Anisimova in the second round in Dubai before losing the subsequent encounter against Madison Keys in straight sets.

Victoria Azarenka is the 14th seed at the upcoming Indian Wells Open. With a bye in the first round, she will either take on Yulia Putintseva or Karolina Muchova in the second round of the tournament.