Retired WTA Legend Victoria Azarenka Clears the Air on Her Son’s Tennis Future With a Bold Take

Apart from being a brilliant tennis player, Victoria Azarenka is a doting mother. The two-time Australian Open champion wears many hats, but the one she wears the most proudly is that of a mom. Over the years, Azarenka has shared her love for her son, Leo, on social media, giving fans a glimpse into their special bond. From heartfelt birthday messages to proud mom moments, she has always made it clear that Leo is the center of her world. Naturally, fans have wondered if Leo might one day pick up a tennis racket and follow in his mother’s footsteps.

Addressing this curiosity during a Q&A session on X on December 23, Azarenka revealed, “He’s not really into tennis, so I’m not sure it will be for him.”

Instead of a tennis racket, the 8-year-old is drawn to the hockey stick. Leo has shown a keen interest in ice hockey and soccer. However, he leans more towards hockey and also plays for the Florida Kings hockey team. The mother-son duo are often seen attending NFL games together. In fact, they were just seen enjoying a Florida Panther’s game yesterday. Despite his disinterest in tennis, Azarenka fully supports Leo’s choices.

Reflecting on her role as a sports mom, Azarenka shared in a press conference earlier this year, “You should see me at his hockey games. I’m nuts. I will bring signs and I will support. Everything that I’ve learned from around tennis, that I’ve seen parents who are pushy, who are negative and stuff, I feel like I’m being self-aware to try to do the opposite for my son.”

The mama bear also recently celebrated Leo’s 8th birthday on 19th December marking the occasion with a heartfelt Instagram post where she wrote, “Happy Birthday, my sweet Leo! Eight years ago, you made me a mommy, and every day since has been the most incredible adventure. Watching you grow into the smart, funny, and brave boy you are fills my heart with pride and joy beyond words. There’s a special bond between a mom and her son—it’s unbreakable, filled with love and laughter, and one of life’s greatest gifts.”

The wholesomeness didn’t just end there. Azarenka further continued, “You’re my sunshine on a cloudy day, my greatest inspiration, and the reason I smile. Leo, you make the world brighter just by being you, and I hope your birthday is as amazing as you are. You deserve all the happiness, fun, and love in the world today and always. I love you more than words can say, keep shining ⭐️ Mommy ❤️.” 

Motherhood hasn’t come easy for Victoria Azarenka. The former World No.1 split with her ex-partner, Billy McKeague, in 2017, just a year after her son was born. The custody battle over Leo was long and challenging, but she persevered.

Victoria Azarenka on juggling tennis and motherhood:

The court had ordered that Leo would stay in Los Angeles till a decision was reached. Azarenka had to pull out of major tournaments, including the Australian Open and the US Open, as she refused to part with her son to travel to the tournaments. Finally, in 2018, the decision was ruled in her favor, allowing her to focus on balancing her career and motherhood.

The Belarusian tennis player opened up about the struggles of maintaining a tennis career and being a mother. “When I was young, all I wanted was to win a Grand Slam and be No. 1, and I’ve accomplished that. After I had Leo, my priorities changed. I needed to find a way to balance my time so I don’t feel guilt for missing out on moments with him while also dedicating myself to my career,”  Azarenka said at the Qatar Open in 2024.

Victoria Azarenka proves you can be a tennis champ and a super mom at the same time. She is always there for her son, even if it has to be on the ice rink instead of the tennis court.!