MALLORCA, May 24, 2017

Victoria Azarenka will return to the courts at the WTA Mallorca Open held from 18 to 25 June 2017. It will be the first tournament for the 27-year-old from Belarus after giving birth to her son Leo in December last year. Azarenka announced her pregnancy through social media in July 2016 and missed the rest of the season as a result.

Today I had my hardest fight and my very best victory! Our son was born healthy and happy! So thankful and blessed! Thank you 🙏🏻❤ pic.twitter.com/zsoFRivnvQ

— victoria azarenka (@vika7) 20. Dezember 2016

The return of Azarenka was announced by Mallorca Open’s new tournament director Toni Nadal at the Santa Ponsa Tennis Club on Wednesday.

“I am very proud to welcome her here in Mallorca,” Nadal is lookin forward to watch competing the former World No. 1 on his home island.

“Victoria is a very emotional player and a fascinating personality,” tournament organizer Edwin Weindorfer added.

The Minsk native is currently staying at home but is eager to start the grass court swing. “I heard of the great conditions in Mallorca. I guess it will be the best possible preparation for Wimbledon,” Azarenka stated.

Azarenka will be joined by Sabine Lisicki, who will also come back to the tour. The German had been sidelined from the courts due to injury since November last year and will play her first tournament of the season.