Victoria Azarenka issues rallying call for Redfoo wild card

Melbourne: World No 2 Victoria Azarenka says her boyfriend singer Redfoo wants a wildcard for the US Open and has been taking tips from Novak Djokovic. The American singer, dancer and rapper, best known for his electropop band LMFAO, routinely watches Azarenka from the stands and was cheering her on again on Tuesday as she began her Australian Open title defence.

Redfoo, also a judge on Australia’s ‘X Factor’ talent show, last year entered the US Open play-offs, where the winner gets a wildcard. He lost in the first round but wants to give it another go.

“I think he’s hoping for [a wildcard],” said Azarenka. “I don’t know if he’s going to get it. But he actually plays tennis better now than when he was trying to qualify. He’s been working hard on his game.

“But he’s so into his projects right now that I think he’s more focused on that.”

Asked if she was giving him advice, the Belarusian said other top names were offering support.

“Backhand, I think Mats Wilander was giving him some tips, Novak [Djokovic, the men’s world No 2] was giving him some tips, everyone is giving him tips,” she said.

“He comes up with a different shot every time, you know. It’s a helicopter swing. Then it’s out of space. I don’t know. Whatever. He’s just ridiculous.”

Redfoo’s most recent single was titled Let’s Get Ridiculous.