It’s mother’s day on Centre Court
MUM was the word on Centre Court yesterday, as the trend for female tennis players returning to tour after giving birth continued. There was of course queen bee Serena Williams, but also former world No 1 Victoria Azarenka and Germany’s Tatjana Maria. Azarenka had her 18-month-old son Leo’s name stitched on to her shoes for her match against seventh-seed Karolina Pliskova. Although Pliskova proved too much in a 6-3, 6-3 loss, the two-time Australian Open champion had already won in one respect. Azarenka was involved in
a bitter custody battle after splitting from her son’s father Billy McKeague following last year’s Wimbledon. The 28-year-old Belarusian was not able to compete in Europe until May this year after a judge in California ruled that her son should not leave the state until custody was resolved. Her ranking plummeted to No 99 and Azarenka said no parent should have to decide between child and career. But an agreement was reached two months ago and Azarenka is on the climb, with her son alongside. Azarenka, who will partner Jamie Murray in the mixed doubles, said: ‘The challenge is still to find the balance that when I go out and practise or play, I’ll be OK that I’m not spending this time with my son. I think understanding of women working and having a family is changing a lot.’ She believes world rankings should not be unduly affected by maternity leave.