Prep for the Philadelphia Freedoms season by getting to know the roster.
Victoria Azarenka
Hometown: Minsk, Belarus
Career highlights: 2012 and 2013 Australian Open champion, bronze medalist in singles at 2012 Olympic games, and gold medalist in mixed.
Pre-match routine (music or superstitions): Music (lots of dancing)
Best tennis memory: Winning the bronze medal and gold medal for my country.
Favorite post-match snack: Shakes
Most random item in your tennis bag: Perfume
Frank Dancevic
Hometown: Niagara Falls, Canada
Career highlights: Two-time ATP World Tour singles finalist – Indianapolis and Eastbourne; winner of seven ATP Challenger singles titles; playing in the 2013 Davis Cup; helped Canada defeat top-seeded Spain in the first round and our team became the first in our country’s history to reach the World Group semifinals.
Pre-match routine (music or superstitions): If I win a match I do the same routine every day for the rest of the week, including same meals and daily routine.
Best tennis memory: My best tennis memory was winning my first ever tournament when I was 10 years old. I remember my opponent got down on his knees in the middle of the match and started praying. I thought it was funny.
Favorite post-match snack: This is random but I like to munch on raisins.
Most random item in your tennis bag: A fishing lure
Vicky Duval
Hometown: Bradenton, Florida
Career highlights: Qualifying at the 2013 US Open and beating Sam Stosur
Pre-match routine: Listening to music, sometimes reading
Best tennis memory: Playing doubles with Venus at Mylan WTT Smash Hits, playing Kim Clijsters on Ashe
Post-match favorite snack: Cookies and cream shake
Most random item in my tennis bag: Stuffed animal (whale)
Liezel Huber
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Career highlights: Reaching world No. 1. That was a huge highlight for me. Above that and winning majors, the biggest highlight for me was becoming a U.S. citizen and representing the country that’s given so much to me. And becoming a mother.
Pre-match routine (music or superstitions): My pre-match superstition is really just being prepared. I take five or so minutes for myself to get in the zone. I envision what I’m going to feel like playing the first point, when it’s 3-all, if I’m down a break, or if it’s match point. It’s really about getting my mind ready. I also like to have my tank full when I get out there.
Best tennis memory: Winning the US Open with Lisa Raymond. It was amazing winning it with a fellow American. And it was on 9/11, so it meant so much to us and the fans that Americans could bring it home.
Favorite post-match snack: A USANA nuts and berry bar is definitely my favorite snack. But that’s pre-match. Post-match, I like to drink a meal replacement shake. It is chocolate flavored, so I can almost down it.
Most random item in your tennis bag: A bag of hair elastics and hair brushes. It’s not because my hair is important. I have it for myself and other players if they need it. You might also find a pacifier in there!
Marcelo Melo
Hometown: Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Career highlights: Wimbledon doubles finals (2013); Shanghai Masters 1000 Doubles Champion (2013); US Open doubles semifinals (2013); London ATP World Tour Finals doubles semifinals (2013); French Open Mixed Doubles finals (2009).
Pre-match routine (music or superstitions): None
Best tennis memory: Playing in the 2013 Wimbledon doubles final on Centre Court
Favorite post-match snack: Light sandwich or pasta.
Most random item in your tennis bag: Perfume
