Early Life and Education of Victoria Azarenka: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Victoria Azarenka. A timeline of key moments.

Victoria Azarenka is a Belarusian professional tennis player who achieved the world No. 1 ranking. She held the top position for 51 weeks and has won 21 WTA Tour-level singles titles. Her most significant achievements include winning the Australian Open in both 2012 and 2013, making her the first Belarusian player to secure a major singles title.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1988: Steffi Graf's Calendar Golden Slam

In 1988, Steffi Graf's Calendar Golden Slam became Victoria Azarenka's biggest motivation in tennis.

September 2010: Collapse at US Open

On September 1, 2010, Victoria Azarenka collapsed on the court during her second-round match at the US Open, and was diagnosed with a concussion.

2012: Registered in Monaco

In 2012, Victoria Azarenka became registered in Monaco.

August 2013: Purchased House in Manhattan Beach

In August 2013, Victoria Azarenka purchased a house in Manhattan Beach, California, to be her principal residence.

2014: Depression Experience

In 2014, Victoria Azarenka spoke about her experience of depression during her injury-induced absence from professional tennis.

December 2016: Birth of Son Leo and Custody Battle in December 2016

In December 2016, Azarenka gave birth to a boy named Leo; she subsequently split from his father and a custody battle ensued.

2016: Birth of Son

In 2016, Victoria Azarenka had a son named Leonard with Billy McKeague.

August 2017: Withdrawal from US Open Due to Custody Battle in August 2017

In August 2017, Azarenka withdrew from the US Open due to her ongoing custody battle for her son.

2017: Custody Battle and Withdrawal

Immediately after the 2017 Wimbledon tournament, Victoria Azarenka and Billy McKeague split and became involved in a custody battle for their son, leading to Azarenka's withdrawal from the remaining 2017 tournaments.

January 2018: Custody Battle Resolution and Return to Tennis in January 2018

In January 2018, Azarenka won her custody battle hearing and resumed her tennis career at the Indian Wells Open.

January 2018: Custody Case Ruling

In January 2018, Victoria Azarenka won an early round in the U.S. custody proceedings when a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge ruled that the custody case should take place in Belarus.

April 2018: Return to Tour

In April 2018, Victoria Azarenka returned to the tour, competing in Europe.

December 2018: Jurisdiction Ruling Overturned

In December 2018, the California Courts of Appeal ruled that the LA County Superior Court had jurisdiction over the custody case, overturning the initial Belarus-jurisdiction decision.

March 2022: Statement on Ukraine Invasion

In March 2022, Victoria Azarenka released a statement on Twitter expressing her heartbreak and dismay concerning the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, aided by Belarus.