Victoria Azarenka

Belarusian player who won back-to-back Australian Open titles in 2012 and 2013 and held the world No. 1 ranking.

Victoria Fiodaraŭna Azarenka was born on 31 July 1989 in Minsk, in the Byelorussian SSR of the Soviet Union, and relocated to Scottsdale, Arizona, as a teenager to further her tennis training. She turned professional in 2003 and developed into one of the most aggressive and vocal competitors on the WTA Tour, renowned for her powerful groundstrokes and relentless court coverage. Azarenka reached the world No. 1 ranking on 30 January 2012, holding the position for a total of 51 weeks including as year-end No. 1 that season. She won back-to-back Australian Open titles in 2012 and 2013, and reached three US Open finals, in 2012, 2013, and 2020, without capturing the title. Azarenka won an Olympic bronze medal in singles at the 2012 London Games, and gold in mixed doubles at the same Olympics partnering Max Mirnyi, adding to a mixed doubles Grand Slam title at the 2008 French Open and a US Open mixed title in 2007. Her rivalry with Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams defined much of the WTA's competitive landscape in the early 2010s. Azarenka has continued to compete on the WTA Tour well into her thirties, balancing her career with motherhood after becoming one of the more prominent advocates for parent-athletes navigating the demands of professional tennis alongside raising children.

Azarenka is known for her aggressive baseline game, featuring powerful groundstrokes from both wings and exceptional court coverage. Her mental toughness and fighting spirit are defining characteristics, often allowing her to win matches from difficult positions. She possesses a strong serve and is particularly effective on hard courts.

Azarenka paved the way for Belarusian tennis and inspired a generation of players from Eastern Europe with her success at the highest level.

• 2 Grand Slam singles titles (2012, 2013 Australian Open)
• world No. 1 for 51 weeks