AZARENKA RETURNS TO TENNIS AFTER BREAK

Tennis star Victoria Azarenka has returned to the sport after a time out. The Belarus international took time out to give birth to her first child but after just six weeks, she has returned to the gym.

Azarenka, 27, has confirmed that she hopes to be ready for the summer and in time for the US Open. She recently met with world number one Serena Williams. The stars took picture that quickly circulated in the media.

“I always enjoy our meetings on and off the court! Always love for @serenawilliams,” Azarenka posted on her Instagram handle.

Azaranka – who lives and trains in California – told Tennis Channel Victoria that she hopes to make an impression at the US Open despite her time out. She ranks low but she remains in the WTA top 20 list.

She was on the top of her game by this time last year. Then she had a foot injury but returned stronger, winning the Indian Wells and the Miami Open back to back. Even world number one Williams could not slow her down that spring. Eventually, she announced that she would take time off to focus on pregnancy and motherhood after excelling in her career.

“While recovering from the knee injury that I sustained at Roland Garros, I received news from my doctor that my boyfriend and I are going to become parents at the end of this year. We couldn’t be happier and feel very blessed to begin this exciting journey of building a family together.

“While I will miss competing in the sport that I love this season, I am excited for all that’s ahead,” the star posted in her letter to her fans before taking the break.

She gave birth to her son, Leo, but she has vowed to reach such heights when she returns this summer.