History of Victoria Azarenka in Timeline

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

1975: Chris Evert

In 1975, Chris Evert was a notable figure.

1976: Evonne Goolagong

In 1976, Evonne Goolagong was a notable figure.

1978: Martina Navratilova

In 1978, Martina Navratilova was a notable figure.

1980: Tracy Austin

In 1980, Tracy Austin was a notable figure.

1985: Chris Evert

In 1985, Chris Evert was a notable figure.

1987: Martina Navratilova and Steffi Graf

In 1987, Martina Navratilova and Steffi Graf were notable figures.

1988: Steffi Graf's Calendar Golden Slam

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

1991: Monica Seles

In 1991, Monica Seles was a notable figure.

1995: Arantxa Sánchez Vicario

In 1995, Arantxa Sánchez Vicario was a notable figure.

1996: Monica Seles

In 1996, Monica Seles was a notable figure.

1997: Steffi Graf and Martina Hingis

In 1997, Steffi Graf and Martina Hingis were notable figures.

1998: Lindsay Davenport

In 1998, Lindsay Davenport was a notable figure.

2001: Martina Hingis and Jennifer Capriati

In 2001, Martina Hingis and Jennifer Capriati were notable figures.

2002: Venus Williams and Serena Williams

In 2002, Venus Williams and Serena Williams were notable figures.

November 2003: ITF Junior Circuit Debut

In November 2003, Victoria Azarenka debuted on the ITF Junior Circuit in Israel, winning one doubles title with Olga Govortsova.

2003: Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin

In 2003, Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin were notable figures.

2004: Amélie Mauresmo

In 2004, Amélie Mauresmo was a notable figure.

2004: Continued ITF Tournaments

In 2004, Victoria Azarenka continued to participate in ITF tournaments, ending the season with a singles rank of 508 on the WTA Tour.

2004: Anastasia Myskina win

In 2006, Victoria Azarenka pushed 2004 French Open champion Anastasia Myskina to a third set in Rome.

2004: Svetlana Kuznetsova beats Azarenka

In 2007, at the US Open, after Victoria Azarenka upset Martina Hingis, Svetlana Kuznetsova beat her in the fourth round.

2005: Coached by António van Grichen

From 2005, Azarenka was coached by António van Grichen.

2005: Maria Sharapova

In 2005, Maria Sharapova was a notable figure.

2005: Junior Grand Slam Wins and ITF World Champion

In 2005, Victoria Azarenka won two junior Grand Slams and was named the 2005 World Champion by the ITF. She reached her first semifinal on the main tour in Guangzhou, China.

2005: 2005 Junior Wimbledon win

In 2006, Victoria Azarenka lost in the first round of Wimbledon to 2005 Junior Wimbledon champion Agnieszka Radwańska.

February 2006: First Top-20 Win

In February 2006, Victoria Azarenka defeated her first top-20 player, Nicole Vaidišová, at Memphis.

2006: Lindsay Davenport and Amélie Mauresmo

In 2006, Lindsay Davenport and Amélie Mauresmo were notable figures.

2006: First Win over Myskina and US Open Result

In 2006, Victoria Azarenka had her first win over Anastasia Myskina at the US Open and reached the third round, her best Grand Slam result to that date. She also reached her second pro-level semifinal in Tashkent.

2006: Lowest Ranking Finish Since 2006

In 2014, Azarenka ended the year ranked world No. 32, her lowest finish since 2006, due to an injury-ridden season.

2007: First meeting with Maria Sharapova

In 2007, Azarenka and Sharapova had their first meeting, in the second round of the Kremlin Cup in Moscow, where Azarenka won.

2007: Victory against Bartoli at Australian Open

In 2007, Azarenka won against Bartoli in the second round of the Australian Open.

2007: US Open Mixed Doubles Title

In 2007, Victoria Azarenka won the US Open mixed doubles title with Max Mirnyi.

2007: Start of rivalry with Maria Sharapova

In 2007, the rivalry between Azarenka and Maria Sharapova started.

2007: Grand Slam Matches Tally

In 2010, Victoria Azarenka won only seven Grand Slam matches for the entire year, matching her 2007 tally.

July 2008: Career-High Doubles Ranking

On July 7, 2008, Victoria Azarenka reached a career-high ranking of No. 7 in the world in doubles.

2008: First meeting with Serena Williams

In 2008, Azarenka first met Serena Williams at the Australian Open, with Williams winning in straight sets.

2008: Loss at Mondial Australian Women's Hardcourts

In 2008, Azarenka lost to Li Na in the final of the Mondial Australian Women's Hardcourts tournament.

2008: Justine Henin, Ana Ivanovic, and Jelena Janković

In 2008, Justine Henin, Ana Ivanovic, and Jelena Janković were notable figures.

2008: Sharapova win

Sharapova won the 2008 Australian Open.

2008: Start of matches with Li Na

The matches between Azarenka and Li Na started in 2008.

April 2009: First Title Since April 2009

In 2010, Victoria Azarenka competed in the Bank of the West Classic. She won her first title since April 2009, defeating Maria Sharapova in the final.

2009: Second match against Serena Williams at the Australian Open

In 2009, Azarenka and Williams met again at the Australian Open, with Williams winning after Azarenka retired due to illness.

2009: Cincinnati Title

In 2009, Azarenka won her first match at Cincinnati since 2009, defeating Vania King. She then defeated Serena Williams in the championship match to pick up her third title for the year.

2009: Victory at Brisbane International

In 2009, Azarenka won the Brisbane International, marking her first success in a WTA Tour final.

2009: End of coaching by António van Grichen

In 2009, Azarenka's coaching partnership with António van Grichen ended.

2009: Jelena Janković and Dinara Safina

In 2009, Jelena Janković and Dinara Safina were notable figures.

2009: Year-End Top 10 Ranking

In 2009, Victoria Azarenka began a streak of year-end top 10 singles rankings, lasting until 2013.

2009: Wimbledon Quarterfinal Points

In 2010, Victoria Azarenka lost to Petra Kvitová in the third round of Wimbledon, dropping her to world No. 18 as she was defending quarterfinal points from 2009.

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.

2010: Coached by Sam Sumyk

From 2010, Azarenka was coached by Sam Sumyk.

2010: Continued dominance over Bartoli

In 2010, Azarenka continued her dominance over Bartoli, winning all four matches.

2010: Victory at Bank of the West Classic

In 2010, Azarenka defeated Sharapova at the Bank of the West Classic in Stanford, winning her first title of the year.

2010: Quarterfinals match against Serena Williams

In 2010, Azarenka played against Serena Williams in the quarterfinals where Azarenka had won the first set and was leading in the second set before Williams won the three-set match, and she won the title for the second consecutive year.

2010: Victory at Rogers Cup

In 2010, Azarenka secured her first victory over Li Na in the third round of the Rogers Cup.

2010: Caroline Wozniacki

In 2010, Caroline Wozniacki was a notable figure.

2010: Madrid Open Retirement and French Open Loss

In 2010, Victoria Azarenka retired from her first-round match at the Madrid Open due to injury and was defeated in the first round of the French Open.

2010: WTA Tour Championships Semifinals since 2010

In 2013, Azarenka experienced an unsuccessful Asian swing, losing early in Tokyo and Beijing. Her season concluded with a poor showing at the 2013 WTA Tour Championships, failing to reach the semifinals for the first time since 2010.

2010: Serena Williams won Wimbledon

Serena Williams won Wimbledon in 2010.

2011: First Double Bagel On Clay Since 2011

During the clay-court swing, Azarenka won against Sofia Kenin with the tenth double bagel in her career, and her first on clay since 2011.

2011: Matches against Li Na

In 2011, Azarenka and Li Na played three times, with Li winning twice at the Majors. Azarenka won at the WTA Tour Championships.

2011: Victory at Miami Masters

In 2011, Azarenka defeated Sharapova in the Miami Masters final to win her second title at that tournament.

2011: Straight-sets victories against Serena Williams

In 2011, Azarenka had straight-sets victories against Serena Williams at the Rogers Cup and the US Open.

2011: Acapulco International Event Since 2011

In 2011, Azarenka played her first 250-point International event since 2011 in Acapulco, Mexico. She withdrew after a first-round win over Polona Hercog.

2011: First loss against Bartoli

In 2011, Bartoli secured her first win over Azarenka in Eastbourne, with Azarenka retiring due to injury.

2011: Kim Clijsters

In 2011, Kim Clijsters was a notable figure.

2011: Australian Open and Fed Cup

In 2011, Victoria Azarenka lost in the fourth round of the Australian Open to Li Na. She and Maria Kirilenko also lost in the doubles final. She then competed in Fed Cup, where Belarus qualified for the World Group II play-Offs.

2011: US Open and China Open

In 2011, Victoria Azarenka reached the third round of the US Open, losing to Serena Williams. She reached a new career-high ranking of No. 3 in the world. She also qualified for the year-end championships in Istanbul. She then withdrew from the China Open due to a right foot strain.

2011: WTA Finals Runner-Up

In 2011, Victoria Azarenka was the runner-up at the WTA Finals, losing to Petra Kvitová.

2011: Li Na won the French Open

Li Na won the 2011 French Open.

January 2012: Rivalry with Maria Sharapova intensified

From January 2012, the rivalry between Azarenka and Maria Sharapova intensified, with both players ranking as the top two women in the world.

January 2012: Australian Open Victory and World No. 1 Ranking

In January 2012, Victoria Azarenka won the Australian Open and became the world No. 1.

August 2012: London Olympics

In August 2012, Victoria Azarenka won a bronze medal in the women's singles and a gold medal in mixed doubles at the London Olympics. Azarenka got her first gold medal in the 2012 Summer Olympics on 5 August 2012 with Max Mirnyi for Belarus, defeating Andy Murray and Laura Robson of Great Britain in a tiebreak.

2012: Victory at Australian Open

Azarenka had previously won the 2012 Australian Open.

2012: Record prize money haul

Azarenka's $7.9 million prize money haul in 2012 was a single year record for a female athlete in any sport.

2012: Future Australian Open Win Mention

In 2005, Victoria Azarenka won the Australian Open Juniors, foreshadowing her future Australian Open wins in 2012 and 2013.

2012: Matches against Bartoli

In 2012, Azarenka and Bartoli played three times, with Azarenka winning two of the matches. Bartoli's victory in the Miami quarterfinals snapped Azarenka's 26-match winning streak to start the season.

2012: Five matches against Serena Williams

In 2012, Azarenka and Serena Williams played five times, with Serena Williams winning each match.

2012: Sponsored by Wilson

In 2012, Azarenka switched to Wilson racquets, using the Wilson Ultra 100 model, ending her sponsorship with Head.

2012: Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka

In 2012, Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka were notable figures.

2012: Registered in Monaco

In 2012, Victoria Azarenka became registered in Monaco.

2012: US Open Finalist

In 2012, Victoria Azarenka finished as runner-up to Serena Williams at the US Open.

2012: Successful 2012 Season

In 2012, Victoria Azarenka set a new record for single-season prize money, earning $7.9 million. She finished the season with a 69–10 win–loss record and secured six titles.

2012: Doha Title and Injury

In 2012, Victoria Azarenka won her third title of the year in Doha, defeating Sam Stosur in the final. She then withdrew from the Dubai Championships due to an ankle injury.

2012: Australian Open win

In 2012, Victoria Azarenka won the Australian Open, marking her first major singles title and a significant milestone in her career.

2012: Olympic Gold Medal in Mixed Doubles

In 2012, Victoria Azarenka won the Olympic gold medal in mixed doubles at the London Olympics with Max Mirnyi.

2012: Intensified rivalry with Sharapova

In 2012, the rivalry between Azarenka and Sharapova intensified, with six meetings between the pair, four of them being in finals. Azarenka won four of the six meetings that year, three of them in finals.

2012: End of rivalry with Marion Bartoli

The rivalry between Azarenka and Marion Bartoli ended in 2012.

January 2013: Endorsement deal with Red Bull

In January 2013, Azarenka entered into an endorsement deal with Red Bull, becoming the first tennis player sponsored by the beverage giant.

January 2013: Rivalry with Maria Sharapova continued

Until January 2013, Azarenka and Maria Sharapova continued ranking as the top two women in the world.

August 2013: Ranked fourth highest paid female athlete

In August 2013, Forbes magazine named Azarenka the fourth highest-paid female athlete in the world, with total earnings of $15.7 million from 2012 to 2013.

August 2013: Purchased House in Manhattan Beach

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

2013: Grand Slam Final Since the 2013 US Open

At the 2016 US Open, Azarenka reached a Grand Slam final for the first time since the 2013 US Open, where she lost to Osaka.

2013: Victory against Williams at Qatar Total Open

At the Qatar Total Open in 2013, Azarenka secured her second victory against Serena Williams in a WTA Tour match, winning in three sets.

2013: First Title Since the 2013 Western & Southern Open

Azarenka started her season at the Brisbane International in Australia. She reached the final after defeating Elena Vesnina, Ysaline Bonaventure, eighth seed Roberta Vinci and surprise qualifier Samantha Crawford. She faced fourth seed Angelique Kerber in the final and won the title without losing a set in the entire tournament. This was her 18th WTA title and her first since the 2013 Western & Southern Open.

2013: Future Australian Open Win Mention

In 2005, Victoria Azarenka won the Australian Open Juniors, foreshadowing her future Australian Open wins in 2012 and 2013.

2013: Unsuccessful Asian Swing and WTA Tour Championships in 2013

2013: Loss at WTA Tour Championships

In 2013, Azarenka lost against Li Na at the WTA Tour Championships, playing through a back injury.

2013: Victory at Australian Open

In 2013, Azarenka won against Li Na in the final of the Australian Open, successfully defending her title and becoming the first world No. 1 to win a Major since Serena Williams in 2010.

2013: Loss at French Open

In 2013, Sharapova won against Azarenka in the semifinals of the French Open, marking the first time Sharapova had beaten Azarenka at a Grand Slam.

2013: Victoria Azarenka

In 2013, Victoria Azarenka was a notable figure.

2013: US Open Finalist Again

In 2013, Victoria Azarenka was again runner-up to Serena Williams at the US Open.

2013: End of matches with Li Na

The matches between Azarenka and Li Na ended in 2013.

2014: Injury-ridden 2014 Season

Azarenka's 2014 season was severely impacted by a foot injury, causing her to miss five months and end her season early in September. She only reached one final in Brisbane, losing to Serena Williams, and finished the year ranked world No. 32, her lowest since 2006.

2014: Loss against Williams at Brisbane International

In 2014, Azarenka lost to Williams in the championship match of the Brisbane International, marking Azarenka's first defeat at the tournament.

2014: Citizen Watch released exclusive watch range

In 2014, Citizen Watch released an exclusive range of watches designed by Azarenka, marking a unique collaboration.

2014: Depression Experience

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

2015: Matches against Serena Williams

In 2015, Azarenka played against Serena Williams in the Madrid Open, French Open, and Wimbledon Championships, losing all three matches.

2015: Brisbane International and Australian Open in 2015

In 2015, Azarenka started the season at the Brisbane International, losing to Karolína Plíšková. She reached the fourth round at the Australian Open, losing to Dominika Cibulková.

2015: End of coaching by Sam Sumyk and coached by Wim Fissette

In 2015, Azarenka's coaching partnership with Sam Sumyk ended and she was coached by Wim Fissette.

2015: Loss at BNP Paribas Open

In 2015, Sharapova won against Azarenka in the third round of the BNP Paribas Open.

2015: End of rivalry with Maria Sharapova

In 2015, the rivalry between Azarenka and Maria Sharapova ended.

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: Wimbledon Performance in 2016

At Wimbledon 2016, Azarenka reached the fourth round in singles and lost in the first round in mixed doubles, marking her return to the sport after a break.

2016: Fourth Round at Australian Open in 2016

At the Australian Open 2016, Azarenka reached the fourth round which was her best result since 2016.

2016: First WTA Singles Title Since 2016 Miami Open

Azarenka won the 2016 Western & Southern Open, her first WTA singles title since the 2016 Miami Open, after Naomi Osaka withdrew from the final.

2016: End of Instaforex endorsement

Azarenka's endorsement deal with the investment company Instaforex ended in 2016, after having started in 2013.

2016: Angelique Kerber

In 2016, Angelique Kerber was a notable figure.

2016: Grand Slam Quarterfinal Since 2016 Australian Open

In 2016, Azarenka reached her first Grand Slam quarterfinal since the 2016 Australian Open at the US Open.

2016: End of coaching by Wim Fissette

In 2016, Azarenka's coaching partnership with Wim Fissette ended as she became pregnant.

2016: Victory at Indian Wells Open

In 2016, Victoria Azarenka earned her fourth win against Serena Williams in the final of the Indian Wells Open, becoming the first player to defeat Serena four times in a final.

2016: Birth of Son

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

January 2017: Highest Ranking Since January 2017

After the 2016 US Open, Azarenka's ranking rose to No. 14, her highest ranking since January 2017.

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.

2017: Serena Williams, Karolína Plíšková, Garbiñe Muguruza, and Simona Halep

In 2017, Serena Williams, Karolína Plíšková, Garbiñe Muguruza, and Simona Halep were notable figures.

2017: Coached by Michael Joyce

Upon her return from pregnancy in 2017, Azarenka was coached by Michael Joyce.

2017: Endorsement deal with Yonex

Upon her return to tennis after pregnancy in 2017, Azarenka signed an endorsement deal with Yonex for racquets, using the EZONE 100 racquet.

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.

November 2018: Reunited with Wim Fissette

In November 2018, Azarenka reunited with coach Wim Fissette, marking a return to a previous coaching partnership.

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.

2018: Switched back to Wilson Ultra 100

In 2018, Azarenka switched back to the Wilson Ultra 100 racquet, although she was not under contract with the company at the time.

2018: Caroline Wozniacki

In 2018, Caroline Wozniacki was a notable figure.

December 2019: Fissette became Naomi Osaka's coach

In December 2019, Wim Fissette, Azarenka's coach, became Naomi Osaka's coach, ending their partnership.

2019: Match against Serena Williams at Indian Wells

In 2019, Azarenka faced Serena Williams in the second round of Indian Wells, which Serena won in two tight sets.

2019: Simona Halep, Naomi Osaka, and Ashleigh Barty

In 2019, Simona Halep, Naomi Osaka, and Ashleigh Barty were notable figures.

February 2020: Dorian Descloix became new coach

In February 2020, Azarenka announced Dorian Descloix as her new coach, initiating a new coaching partnership.

2020: Endorsed by Wilson again

After her successful 2020 season, Azarenka became endorsed by Wilson once again.

2020: Monterrey Open and WTA Tour Suspension in 2020

In 2020, Azarenka played at the Monterrey Open, losing in the first round. She then withdrew from Indian Wells before the WTA Tour was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: Victory against Williams at US Open

In 2020, Azarenka recorded her first victory against Serena Williams in a Grand Slam, winning in three sets in the US Open semifinal.

2020: US Open Finalist

In 2020, Victoria Azarenka reached the US Open final, finishing as runner-up to Naomi Osaka.

October 2021: Split from Dorian Descloix

In October 2021, Azarenka split from coach Dorian Descloix, choosing to work with Maxime Tchoutakian instead.

2021: Grampians Trophy Participation in 2021

In 2021, Azarenka participated in the Grampians Trophy, withdrawing before her quarterfinal match due to a lower back injury.

2021: Wimbledon and National Bank Open Performance in 2021

In 2021, at Wimbledon, Azarenka lost to Sorana Cîrstea in the second round, and she reached her first Masters WTA 1000 quarterfinal of the season at the National Bank Open in Canada.

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.

2022: 2022 Season

During the 2022 season, Azarenka reached the round of 16 at the Madrid Open and Italian Open. She did not play any grass-court tournaments due to Wimbledon's ban on Russian and Belarusan players. She reached the semifinals at the Guadalajara Open.

2022: Ashleigh Barty and Iga Świątek

In 2022, Ashleigh Barty and Iga Świątek were notable figures.

2023: Aryna Sabalenka

In 2023, Aryna Sabalenka was a notable figure.

2023: Semifinals of the 2023 Australian Open

In 2023, Azarenka reached the semifinals of the Australian Open after 10 years, moving up to world No. 16. She lost to Elena Rybakina in straight sets.

2023: Madrid Open Doubles Title in 2023

In 2023, Azarenka won her fifth WTA 1000 and tenth doubles title overall at the Mutua Madrid Open with Beatriz Haddad Maia.

2024: Fourth Round Australian Open 2024

At the Australian Open 2024, Azarenka reached the fourth round where she lost to Dayana Yastremska.

2024: Semifinal Miami Open 2024

Following a disappointing second round exit at Indian Wells, Azarenka fought back at the second half of the “Sunshine Double”, the WTA 1000 2024 Miami Open. Here she reached the semi-final, losing to Elena Rybakina.