Belarus’s Victoria Azarenka withdraws from Rogers Cup in Montreal
MONTREAL – Victoria Azarenka withdrew from the Rogers Cup on Friday when she announced that she is expecting her first child at the end of the year.
Azarenka, who has not played since the French Open, will not participate in any more tournaments this season.
“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 in a statement on Twitter. “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.”
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.
“While we are sad about Victoria’s absence, we are obviously thrilled for her,” said Eugene Lapierre, the tournament director of the Rogers Cup. “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.”
Misaki Doi of Japan and Belgium’s Yanina Wickmayer have moved into the main draw.
“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.
News from © The Canadian Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Join the Conversation!
Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?
You must be logged in to post a comment.
