WTA: Victoria Azarenka demands equal settlement rules for all

Victoria Azarenka has joined the discussion about “Protected Seeding” for mothers after the pregnancy break. The double Grand Slam winner is in favour of equal rights for all players and against favouring superstars.

For Victoria Azarenka in Florida, things have been going like clockwork so far: After her sovereign opening success against US young star CiCi Bellis, the three-time Miami winner in round two benefited from Madison Keys’ injury-related retirement.

Last year’s US open finalist was unable to continue at 6-7 (5) and 0-2 because of an injury to her left thigh: “A match can’t end worse, but that’s the sport, these things happen,” the not completely happy winner made clear afterwards. Azarenka will make it into the round of 16 against Anastasija Sevastova from Latvia on Saturday.

In the run-up to the match against Keys, the 28-year-old Belarusian had already spoken about the most explosive topic on the women’s tour: the protection of mothers on their return to the circuit.

The discussion had flared up because Serena Williams was allowed to use her “Protected Ranking” at eight tournaments to get directly into the main field. But without settlement. As a result of the million-dollar spectacle in Crandon Park, Williams – the world’s first to take a baby break – had to play the up-and-coming Osaka in the first round.

If you start a family, you also have the pressure to return within two years and use your protected ranking,” criticized Vika, who gave birth to her son Leo in December 2016. A longer transitional period would be desirable.

Azarenka is also committed to ensuring that there are no differences between top stars and “normalos” when it comes to setting. Even Williams rivals like current industry leader Simona Halep had harshly criticized the rule these days: “Serena should be on one. Because that’s where she was when she left,” the Romanian explained.

Azarenka, however, sees the problem as a double-edged sword: on the one hand, outstanding players like Serena Williams deserve a special status because of their achievements, “but the other players who have worked hard all year round would lose their place,” Azarenka added, so if a new regulation comes into force, it must apply to everyone.

“We should now be discussing this in the Women Players’ Association – in which I am represented. That’ll take some time. However, it is good that we are having this debate now.”