Victoria Azarenka shares emotional message on Christmas, reflects on her childhood and current privilege
Victoria Azarenka's tennis career peaked between 2012 and 2013, when she won two successive Australian Open singles titles. She also reached the final of the US Open both years, in addition to a semi-final appearance each at Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
Struggles with form and injuries have since put a dampener on her career, although the Belarusian has been on a resurgent run of late. At the age of 31, Azarenka reached the US Open final last year before losing to Naomi Osaka.
Azarenka ended 2021 ranked 27th in the world, a significant improvement from her World No. 210 ranking at the end of 2017. The former World No. 1 had many things to be grateful for this year, and on Christmas she thanked her parents for the childhood they gave her.
Victoria Azarenka took to Twitter to share the message, saying how her parents always made sure she and her brother never missed out on the joy of Christmas presents.
"My parents did the best they can with very very little, but still they went out of their way to make it special for me and my brother," Azarenka wrote.
I am really happy and grateful to be able to provide an amazing Xmas for Leo and all the gifts he wanted, because my parents did the best they can with very very little, but still they went out of their way to make it special for me and my brother… it does always however makes
The 32-year-old contrasted her past with her current situation, where she is able to provide her son Leo with everything he could ask for. The Belarusian revealed that it led her to think about people who are not as privileged, and what she can do to help them.
"It makes me always think about many many families and kids who don’t have the same privilege now," Azarenka wrote. "I asked Leo today that we should pack some toys he has and give them to other kids who may not have any gifts today."
Azarenka later followed it up with an update, posting a photograph of her son along with the box of toys he had given up for donation.
"This kid did good! Big box of toys will have new owners. Proud mom!" Azarenka wrote.
This kid did good! Big box of toys will have new owners ❤️ proud mom https://t.co/81JO3YWoDT
Victoria Azarenka will kick off her 2022 season at the Adelaide International 1
Victoria Azarenka will wrap up her Christmas celebrations and fly to Adelaide for the upcoming 2022 season.
She will play at the WTA 500 Adelaide International 1 from January 3-9 alongside Ashleigh Barty, Iga Swiatek among other top players on the women's tour. Azarenka will be making her first appearance at the tournament, having pulled out of the 2021 edition.
Following her Adelaide run, she will travel to Melbourne to participate in the Australian Open. A former two-time champion at the Grand Slam, Azarenka has not made it beyond the first round since 2017.