“Have a baby and come back,” Aryna Sabalenka name drops Serena Williams as she lauds WTA mothers like Victoria Azarenka for ‘high level’ comebacks

Sabalenka will be taking part in the Australian Open as the defending champion.

“Have a baby and come back,” Aryna Sabalenka name drops Serena Williams as she lauds WTA mothers like Victoria Azarenka for ‘high level’ comebacks

L-R: Serena Williams, Aryna Sabalenka and Victoria Azarenka (Image via Imago/X)

Aryna Sabalenka and Victoria Azarenka went head-to-head against each other in the semi-finals of the Brisbane International. Though the World No.2 defeated Azarenka in straight sets to reach the finals of the tournament, the way Azarenka performed is getting huge applause from the fans as well as the players. The 34-year-old injured her knee during a serve but still fought bravely against the World No.2.

Moreover, the way Victoria Azarenka has managed her professional tennis as well as motherhood is appreciated by Sabalenka. The 2023 Australian Open winner also referred to Serena Williams to explain how players like them perform strongly in their comeback after giving birth to their child.

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In the post-match interview after the semis, Sabalenka said,

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That's amazing, after giving birth, come back on a high, definitely. Definitely inspiring me so much. It gives me the belief that maybe one day I can have a baby & come back & play on a high level… I watched a little bit of her game this week. She's playing really amazingly well, serving well. I saw today she served 16 aces, which is incredible.
Sabalenka via Brisbane Press

When asked about the players who are coming back now who had babies, Sabalenka further said:

I definitely think Victoria, Serena, they really inspired other girls to have a baby & come back, play on the high level. Yeah, I definitely think they’re inspiring so many girls, so many female athletes.

Aryna Sabalenka continues her good form in Australia

Since the start of the 2024 season with Brisbane International, Sabalenka has been in a superb run of form. Not only she is the top seed for the Brisbane International but also for the Australian Open starting from 14th January.

She will be up against Elena Rybakina in the finals of the 250 events. It would be a rematch of the final of the Australian Open last year.

Aryna Sabalenka praises Victoria Azarenka after their semifinals encounter, says that the 34-year-old inspires her.
Aryna Sabalenka (Image via Open Source/X)

With the mega event set to commence in a week, Sabalenka would have her eyes on defending her title. However, it won’t be an easy walk in the park for the Belarusian.

Players like Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff have been in splendid form and will surely charge for the title in Melbourne Park. Newly been mother Naomi Osaka is also in the draw for the title.

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