2024 is the year of mothers, in the WTA Tour. Angelique Kerber and Naomi Osaka came back after their motherhood, showing good tennis. The WTA season officially kicked off with the 500 tournaments in Brisbane, Australia, and the 250 tournaments in Auckland, New Zealand.
Among the protagonists of the Australian tournament there is another strong mother, Victoria Azarenka. The former WTA No.1 first defeated Anna Kalinskaya with a score of 6-1, 7-6(8), then Clara Burel 7-5 6-2. In the quarterfinals she will challenge former Roland Garros winner Jelena Ostapenko.
Azarenka won the first edition of the tournament in 2009 and highlighted what she likes about Brisbane and Australia. “Beautiful city. Just a great atmosphere. Like I said, the people I hear really appreciate sports. I feel like Australia in general really loves sport.
Tennis is a very widespread culture in Australia. Definitely a nice place. I think that’s what we’re here for, to play in front of the fans, put on a bit of a show. I mean, that’s why I train so hard. I still love competing. I don’t like traveling or going from one tournament to another but I like competing, that feeling of going out on the pitch in front of the crowd is what motivates me to keep…