Two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka has brought forward her return date to the tour to participate in the upcoming grass court season.
The former world No.1 hasn’t played a competitive since last year’s French Open after becoming pregnant. Last December the Belarusian gave birth to a baby boy called Leo. Throughout her break, Azarenka has vowed to return to the tour. Originally she planned to start her comeback in America at the Stanford Open in August, but is now eager for a quicker return.
“My training has been progressing well and I feel ready to start competing.. Plus Leo said he wants to see London and Wimbledon.” Azarenka joked on social media.
“I will be finalizing my schedule before Wimbledon in the coming days.”
Azarenka will play one grass court tournament prior to Wimbledon, but has not said which one it will be. She has only reached one WTA final on the surface so far in her career, which was at the 2010 Eastbourne Open. On that occasion, Azarenka lost in straight sets to Ekaterina Makarova.
Guiding the 27-year-old on the tour will be newly appointed coach Michael Joyce. Joyce is a former ATP player and once worked with Maria Sharapova. Earlier this year, Azarenka told The Tennis Channel that she wants to become a better player when she returns to action.
“I have no doubt that I can improve much more. That’s why I’m taking my time to work smart and add to my game to become a better player. That’s the only reason why I want to go back and play on the tour. I don’t want to come back and just play. I want to go back and be the best again. That’s my goal.” She said.
So far in her career Azarenka has won 20 WTA titles and spent a total of 19 weeks as world No.1. Last year she won back-to-back titles in Indian Wells and Miami to achieve the sunshine double.
Azarenka’s full statement
— victoria azarenka (@vika7) 22 May 2017
