Former world number one Victoria Azarenka has announced her intention to contest the European clay court season. As the Belarusian announced on Twitter, she traveled to Madrid on Sunday, where the next WTA Premier Mandatory Event will take place at the end of the week.
“Mommy and Leo’s adventures begin,” twittered Azarenka: “Europe we’re coming. First stop: See you in Madrid.” In addition to the tournament in the Spanish capital, Azarenka is also planning to compete in Rome and at the French Open.
A lawsuit over the care of her son Leo with her ex-boyfriend Billy McKeague has prevented Azarenka from taking part in tournaments outside the United States. Her offspring were not allowed to leave the USA, which is why she decided not to play professional tennis.
This dispute now seems to have settled, but Azarenka did not give any information on the legal status for the time being.
In Madrid, the 20-time title winner reached the finals in 2011 and 2012. She celebrated her greatest successes in 2012 and 2013 when she won the Australian Open.
Prior to the WTA tournament, Azarenka will also compete in the Mutua Charity Manolo Santana showdown in Madrid. Two teams consisting of four professionals – two women and two men each – compete against each other for a prize of 100,000 euros. The proceeds of the performance go to a foundation that wants to fight domestic violence with donations.
In addition to Azarenka, six other players have already signed up: Serena Williams, Carla Suarez Navarro, Simona Halep, Lucas Pouille, Feliciano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco.