With the focus being on Serena Williams’ return to the tour at Indian Wells, there is also another former champion staging their comeback at the event.
Victoria Azarenka hasn’t played a match on the tour since Wimbledon. The two-time Australian Open winner has been absent from the tour in recent months due to complex legal issues. She is currently in a battle with former partner, Billy McKeague, over the custody of their child. It has meant that Azarenka has been unable to travel due to a court ruling that her son should remain in California until the case is settled.
The Significance of Azarenka’s comeback on Thursday at the BNP Paribas Open was one that almost brought her to tears. Since giving birth, she has only been able to play in two tournaments. Reaching the second round of the Mallorca Open followed by the last 16 at Wimbledon.
“It really means the world to be me, you know, to just be able to be here and play and enjoy myself. Doing what I love to do. Walking out on court I felt so much love and I almost had tears in my eyes.”
Returning to the BNP Paribas Open for the first time since winning the 2016 title, Azarenka continued her winning run in the tournament with a lacklustre 6-4, 6-2, win over Great Britain’s Heather Watson in the first round. It was a far from flawless performance from the 28-year-old, who was visibly rusty given her eight-month absence. Similarly world No.70 Watson was also far from her best as she produced 38 unforced errors.
“It was definitely tough. Especially in moments like this where I have been out (of the game) for a while.” Azarenka said during her on-court interview. “To find that feeling and to know what to do in the right moments is always tricky.”
Incredible tennis from both players, but @Vika7 ends up on top in one of the points of the match! #BNPPO18 pic.twitter.com/foYW54piK6
— WTA (@WTA) 9 March 2018
Hitting 12 winners to 28 unforced errors, consistency was the main issue for the Belarusian. Racing to a 5-1 lead at the start of the match, she dropped serve two consecutive times before clinching the opening set. Then in the second, Azarenka survived a seven-deuce service game lasting almost 18 minutes on route to victory.
“I definitely have quite a few things to work on, but I’m happy that I was able to be strong.” She evaluated about her performance. “There were some moments where I lost my concentration due to not playing so long.
“It’s a pretty good start.” Azarenka added.
The triumph occurred on International Women’s day, which celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Azarenka has paid her own tribute to her fellow players on the WTA Tour. In particular, Serena Williams.
“I feel like the WTA Tour is a great place. We have so many great women who show strength and discipline and tenacity every day.” She said.
“A player like Serena, I am so happy to see her. We all support each other and I think that is really important to stay strong together. We are competitors on the court, but off it is a different story.”
Azarenka will take on 13th seed and US Open champion Sloane Stephens in the second round.
