Victoria Azarenka has spoken about her ongoing custody battle for the first time since the news was leaked to the media.
The two-time Australian Open champion has confirmed that she is currently locked in a legal dispute with her former partner over their son Leo. Earlier this summer Azarenka separated from her partner Billy McKeague. According to the current legal proceedings, she is unable to take Leo out of California until the case is settled. Putting her presence at the upcoming US Open in doubt.
“Shortly after Wimbledon, Leo’s father and I separated and as we work to resolve some of the legal processes, the way things stand now is that the only way I can play in the US Open this year is if I leave Leo behind in California, which I’m not willing to do.” Azarenka said in a statement.
It is reported that the Belarusian offered to pay for accommodation for both her son and former partner in order for them to stay in New York whilst she plays in the final grand slam of the season. Despite the ongoing struggle, the 28-year-old is remaining defiant. Stating that she is prepared to balance life as a mother with playing on the tour.
“Balancing child care and a career is not easy for any parent, but it is a challenge I am willing to face and embrace. I want to support men and women everywhere who know it is ok to be a working mother – or father. No one should ever have to decide between a child and their career, we are strong enough to do both.”
With her return date up in the air, Azarenka still hopes that a deal will be struck in time for the US Open, which will start on August 28th. If that happens, she will play in her first tournament since losing in the fourth round at Wimbledon to Simona Halep. In total, Azarenka has only played two tournaments so far in her comeback.
“I look forward to hopefully having positive developments soon so that this difficult situation can be resolved and I can get back to competing.” She said. “No parent should have to decide between their child or their career.”
Azarenka has so far spent a total of 51 weeks as world No.1 between 2012-2013. She currently has 20 WTA titles and two olympic medals (gold and bronze) to her name.
Azarenka’s full statement
My incredible fans and friends, who have supported me throughout my career deserve to know why I may not be able to compete at the U.S Open this year.
The day my son Leo was born, back in December of last year, was by far the happiest day of my life. I now have a brand new appreciation for how new mothers – and fathers – juggle the many different responsibilities for their families. However, like most working mothers, despite my unconditional love for my son, I am faced with a difficult situation which may not allow me to return to work right away.
In Belarus back in March, with my family in tow, I started working toward the goal of returning to the tennis tour and competing at a high level by July 31st. I was able to return early, playing in Mallorca mid-June followed by Wimbledon.
Shortly after Wimbledon, Leo’s father and I separated and as we work to resolve some of the legal processes, the way things stand now is that the only way I can play in the US Open this year is if I leave Leo behind in California, which I’m not willing to do.
Balancing child care and a career is not easy for any parent, but it is a challenge I am willing to face and embrace. I want to support men and women everywhere who know it is ok to be a working mother – or father. No one should ever have to decide between a child and their career, we are strong enough to do both.
I am incredibly grateful for all of the support I have received from women and men around the world who recognize the importance of supporting working moms and our right to be with our children. I look forward to hopefully having positive developments soon so that this difficult situation can be resolved and I can get back to competing. No parent should have to decide between their child or their career.
I remain optimistic that in the coming days Leo’s father and I can put aside any differences and take steps in the right direction to more effectively work as a team and agree on an arrangement for all three of us to travel and for me to compete but, more importantly to ensure that Leo has a consistent presence from both of his parents.
