Tennis player Victoria Azarenka was sleep-deprived and had just stepped off a plane from Doha to Dubai on Monday afternoon, but her travel weariness was well-disguised.
In a pair of well-fitted jeans, knitted jacket and orange loafers, the statuesque blonde was game to shoot a promotional video ahead of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships — even if she eventually wasn’t game to take part in the matches themselves (she pulled out on Tuesday, citing an injury).
Greeted by a fleet of Dubai Duty Free officials, the Belarusian tennis champion visited the new Concourse A in Terminal 3 complex used by Emirates Airline’s A380 fleet.
“Wow, this is incredible … so many shops to shop from before you travel,” said Azarenka as she scanned the rows of stores and gracefully accepted the goodie bag put together by Sinead Al Sibai, vice-president marketing of Dubai Duty Free.
But it was back to business soon after as she gave a piece to camera on her impressions of the new facility for a DDF video.
“Perhaps I should have had a bit more coffee in my system for such a video shoot,” joked Azarenka when she couldn’t whip up the desired emotion. But all signs of nerves disappeared as Azarenka indulged in a bit of retail therapy and window shopping.
“I am not picky with brands. I think brands like Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana are incredible. But I buy stuff depending on how I feel in them,” she told tabloid!.
But her true emotions came to the fore when she was guided to the M & M’s candy store.
“M & M’s bring up so many fond memories from childhood. It was the best thing we could have. I don’t need that much sugar now though,” said Azarenka.
But with more exciting things lined-up for her, such as an A380 waiting for her to explore, she didn’t stay too long at the candy store.
Ushered into the first class lounge, her first doubt centred around the food served in the restaurant. Appeased at the prospect of tucking in salmon and a generous portion of veggies, Azarenka dubbed the experience “luxurious”.
“It’s wonderful that first class passengers can board the flight directly. It’s incredibly convenient and saves time,” said Azarenka.
Surprisingly, her favourite holiday destination at the moment is not an exotic island or a romantic city.
“Right now, the best holiday spot to me is home. I can’t wait to sleep in my bed,” said Azarenka. Looks like that last wish came true.
