Azarenka primed for return in Mallorca

After more than a year off tour, former world No.1 Victoria Azarenka makes her return in Mallorca this week.

The 27-year-old, who gave birth to her first child in December, has not played since the 2016 French Open.

“I miss the competition so I’m happy to be back,” Azarenka told the WTA Tour in a pre-tournament interview.

“Playing matches I’m not sure how it is going to feel, but I’m looking forward to it.”

Azarenka faces Japan’s Risa Ozaki, the world No.74, in the opening round. It will be their first meeting.

After practice I get to do this #blessed quality time with ???????? #KingLeo loving the pool, not a fan of cold water tho just like me ????

A post shared by Victoria Azarenka (@vichka35) on Jun 17, 2017 at 11:33am PDT

The two-time Australian Open champion was originally planning to return from maternity leave at the end of July, but decided to add two grass events to her schedule. Handed a wildcard into Mallorca, she also plans to use a protected ranking to contest Wimbledon.

The Belarusian has warned her opponents that her determination has not waned with motherhood.

“I think I’m more competitive – that quality never left me,” she said. “I really feel I haven’t reached my potential yet and I think I can be better.”

"I missed the competition so I'm happy to be back."

–@Vika7 talks comeback at @MallorcaOpen and motherhood pic.twitter.com/uKJockXoak

— WTA (@WTA) June 19, 2017

Second seed and last year’s finalist Anastasija Sevastova was a winner on day one of the tournament, defeating Belgian Elise Mertens 7-6(2) 5-7 6-1.

Czech Kristyna Pliskova caused the first major upset, firing 13 aces to eliminate eighth seed Timea Babos 6-2 3-6 6-3.