Victoria Azarenka
Victoria Azarenka
Victoria Azarenka (Belarusian: Вікторыя Азаранка, pronounced [vʲiktɔˈrɨja azarɛnka]; born July 31, 1989) is a Belarusian professional tennis player. A former world No. 1 in singles, she has won two Grand Slam singles titles, the 2012 and 2013 Australian Opens, and a total of 21 WTA singles titles. She has also won the WTA Tour Championships in 2012 and the WTA Diamond Games in 2009 and 2011. Azarenka is known for her aggressive playing style, particularly her powerful groundstrokes and serve.
Early life and career
Azarenka was born in Minsk, Byelorussian SSR, Soviet Union, to Alla Azarenka and Fyodor Azarenka. Her father was a military officer and her mother was a tennis coach. Azarenka began playing tennis at the age of five, and she quickly showed a natural talent for the game. She won her first ITF junior title in 2003, and she turned professional in 2004.
Azarenka made her WTA Tour debut in 2005, and she quickly rose through the rankings. She won her first WTA singles title in 2006 at the Memphis International, and she reached the semifinals of the Australian Open in 2007. In 2008, she won the Medibank International in Sydney and reached the semifinals of the French Open.
Grand Slam success
Azarenka won her first Grand Slam singles title at the 2012 Australian Open, defeating Maria Sharapova in the final. She successfully defended her title in 2013, defeating Li Na in the final. She also reached the finals of the US Open in 2012 and 2013, but she lost to Serena Williams on both occasions.
WTA Tour Championships
Azarenka won the WTA Tour Championships in 2012, defeating Serena Williams in the final. She also reached the final in 2011, but she lost to Petra Kvitová.
Other achievements
Azarenka has won a total of 21 WTA singles titles, including the WTA Diamond Games in 2009 and 2011. She has also won the Hopman Cup in 2012 and 2013, representing Belarus with Max Mirnyi.
Azarenka has been ranked as high as world No. 1 in singles, and she has been ranked in the top 10 for over 10 years. She is one of the most successful female tennis players of the 21st century.
Personal life
Azarenka has a son, Leo, who was born in December 2016. The father of the child is her former boyfriend, Billy McKeague. Azarenka is currently in a relationship with Redfoo, the lead singer of the band LMFAO.
Azarenka is known for her outspoken personality and her sense of humor. She is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, and she has worked to raise awareness for the rights of children.
