Former world No.1 Victoria Azarenka has given birth to a baby boy, with partner Billy McKeague on Tuesday morning.
The double Australian Open champion announced a temporary hiatus from tennis in July after falling pregnant. During the early past of 2016 the Belarusian triumphed on the tour, winning back-to-back premier titles in Indian Wells and Miami. Azarenka also won the Brisbane Open in January.
Announcing the birth of her first child on social media, the 27-year-old described the arrival as the ‘hardest fight and the very best victory’ of her life.
Today I had my hardest fight and my very best victory! Our son was born healthy and happy! So thankful and blessed! Thank you 🙏🏻❤ pic.twitter.com/zsoFRivnvQ
— victoria azarenka (@vika7) 20 December 2016
Earlier this month Azarenka spoke positively about returning to tennis, but refrained from providing a timeframe as to when. During an interview with The Tennis Channel, she stated that her love for the sport has not lessened during her absence.
“I believe I still have a great opportunity to do what I love, and I love playing tennis,” she told The Tennis Channel. “For me, it’s about getting to where I want to be and be back there again. That’s my ultimate goal.
“I don’t to try put any time frame for myself,” she added. “I would love to make it as soon as possible, but giving myself a reasonable time to fully recover and be ready.”
During her career, Azarenka has won 20 WTA titles, including two majors, since 2009. She is also a two-time Olympic medallist after clinching and gold and bronze medal at the 2012 London Games.
Azarenka will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of Evonne Goolagong Cawley and Kim Clijsters, both of whom won a grand slam title after giving birth. She is currently the only parent ranked in the top 20 on the WTA rankings.
How Twitter reacted to the news
@vika7 Congratulations on your new little family Vika! 👪
— Laura Robson (@laurarobson5) 20 December 2016
@vika7 поздравляю вас!! ❤👶
— Daria Gavrilova (@Daria_gav) 20 December 2016
Big congrats @vika7 Wishing you all the best 🍼👶 #babyboy
— Sabine Lisicki (@sabinelisicki) 20 December 2016
@vika7 congratulations, amazing News😍 wish you all the best xx
— Belinda Bencic (@BelindaBencic) 20 December 2016
Congratulations @vika7 on your little boy’s safe arrival!
What an exciting time for our 2x champ! https://t.co/vNwkQzs0fv https://t.co/X7QOHDtleC
— Australian Open (@AustralianOpen) 20 December 2016
