With the WTA season ending last month, the players will now recuperate and start preparing for the 2021 Australian Open. Regardless of the tough conditions this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, Victoria Azarenka made a successful comeback to the tour despite a host of personal issues.
Celebrating Thanksgiving week on Tennis Channel, Azarenka delivered a wonderful message for the fans around the world. The 2-time Australian Open champion stressed on being healthy in these precarious times. The 31-year-old remarked that the pandemic gave us a chance to reflect on the most important things in life.
Health is above all for @vika7. 🙏 ⚕️ #HappyThanksgiving pic.twitter.com/hJFZ629mYi
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) November 24, 2020
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“For my health and for the health of, you know, my family, this is most important right now. I think we all had an opportunity to take a pause and understand what’s important. The rest comes and goes.” said Azarenka.
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After giving birth to her son Leo in 2016, Azarenka subsequently split with her husband the following year. The custody battle for her then eight-month-old son resulted in her withdrawing from multiple tournaments and a shoulder injury last year further exacerbated her problems. However, she made a stunning return this year, reaching three big finals and finishing in the top-15 WTA rankings for the first time since January 2017.
The resurgence of Victoria Azarenka
The Belarusian won his 21st WTA title at 2020 Western and Southern Open after Naomi Osaka withdrew from the final due to a hamstring injury. However, Azarenka made headlines by reaching the US Open final, her first Grand Slam final since her loss to Serena Williams in the 2013 US Open final.
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Unfortunately, Azarenka finished as the runner-up and was defeated by Osaka in an epic three-set showdown. Despite a disappointing performance at the French Open, Azarenka made it to the final of the Ostrava Open. Reeling from severe migraine headache, Azarenka lost the final to fellow countrywoman, Aryna Sabalenka.
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