The Belarusian is expecting her first child at the end of the year
Montreal, July 15, 2016 – Victoria Azarenka of Belarus announced Friday, via her Twitter account, that she is expecting her first child at the end of the year. As a result, she will not play anymore tournaments in 2016, including the Rogers Cup presented by National Bank.
“While recovering from my knee injury that I sustained at Roland-Garros, I received news from my doctor that my boyfriend and I are going to become parents at the end of this year,” said Azarenka. “While I will miss competing in the sport that I love this season, I am excited for all that’s ahead. I have been truly inspired by so many strong female athletes who return to the very top of their sport after having children, and I plan to do exactly that.”
“While we are sad about Victoria’s absence, we are obviously thrilled for her,” said Eugène Lapierre, Tournament Director of the Rogers Cup presented by National Bank. “It’s a very important moment in her life and we wish her lots of happiness in her future role as a mother. We were happy to read that she plans to come back because she has always been a fan favourite in Montreal.”
“I am unfortunately not going to be playing in Montreal this year. I will be following the tournament from a distance, and already looking forward to coming back to play the Rogers Cup,” Azarenka added.
Azarenka has not played since Roland-Garros. The world no. 6 won three titles this season in Brisbane, Indian Wells, and Miami.
Jelena Jankovic of Serbia will also not play the Rogers Cup.
Misaki Doi of Japan and Belgium’s Yanina Wickmayer have moved into the main draw.
