Two-time Grand Slam champion Victoria Azarenka is taking an unexpected break from tennis. The world No. 6 announced Friday she is pregnant and expecting to give birth at the end of the year.
In a letter posted on her Twitter account, Azarenka says she found out while recovering from a knee injury that caused her to withdraw from the first round of the French Open in May. The injury also kept her out of Wimbledon.
I have some news for you all pic.twitter.com/64Kf90tZF6
— victoria azarenka (@vika7) July 15, 2016
Azarenka says she intends to "return to the very top" of the sport after her pregnancy.
She need not look any further than former World No. 1 Kim Clijsters for inspiration. The Belgian came out of retirement in 2009 after her daughter's birth and cemented her legacy by claiming three more Grand Slam titles.
On Twitter, some have voiced surprise at Friday's announcement.
VICTORIA AZARENKA IS PREGNANT?! WOW! Congratulations but huhu I will miss watching her play.
— Jeric (@javiertionloc) July 15, 2016
I wonder how many are googling "Victoria Azarenka's boyfriend" right now
— Shanna S (@PinaCocoblog) July 15, 2016
Meanwhile, others are feeling relieved.
I'm just thankful Redfoo isn't the father.
— Amy (@everythingtaboo) July 15, 2016
Azarenka dated Redfood of the band LMFAO from 2012 to 2014. Her current boyfriend is supposedly an individual by the name of Bill McKeague.
Yea, Azarenka’s kid will be a looker. #tennis pic.twitter.com/NSsEEHHlBT
— Lynn Berenbaum (@lynnlovestennis) July 15, 2016
Vicki’s Baby daddy: Bill McKeague @MillyBckeague https://t.co/Y3hXml0RZt
— Lynn Berenbaum (@lynnlovestennis) July 15, 2016
Or, Vika’s baby daddy… #FUSpellCheck
— Lynn Berenbaum (@lynnlovestennis) July 15, 2016
One more of Vika’s bf. From Valentine’s Day. Lucky girl. pic.twitter.com/9AQUEARMGp
— Lynn Berenbaum (@lynnlovestennis) July 15, 2016
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Follow Axel Boada on Twitter @axelboada.