Victoria Azarenka wins on return but future uncertain

Victoria Azarenka returned to competitive action for the first time in eight months with a victory at Indian Wells – but admitted her future remains uncertain.

The Belarusian beat Britain’s Heather Watson 6-4 6-2 in her first match since Wimbledon.

She will play US Open champion and 13th seed Sloane Stephens in round two.

A protracted custody battle has left Azarenka unable to take her son, Leo, outside of her home state of California, and she has therefore chosen not to travel.

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Indian Wells, situated in the Californian desert, provided Azarenka with an opportunity to resume her tennis career and she began by winning two tough sets against Watson.

Azarenka said after the match that following Indian Wells she plans to travel to Florida for the Miami Open, which begins on March 19th, but she could not confirm any plans beyond that.

“I wouldn’t wish that on anybody to go through what I’ve been going through, but it’s part of life and there are blessings in this situation as well for me,” she said.

“I’m free but it’s definitely been and still is a really difficult situation to be in and it’s hard to only focus on playing tennis.

“One day I’ll write a book about this, because it’s Hollywood-worthy for sure. But right now I just want to keep it a little bit private.”

What an emotional moment this was! Thank you all so much for such a wonderful and warm welcome! It means the ???? to me ?? ???? pic.twitter.com/Lu003Lq4Fy

— victoria azarenka (@vika7) March 9, 2018

A two-time Australian Open champion, two-time Indian Wells winner and former world number one, Azarenka clenched her fist to the crowd as she entered Stadium 1 and quickly raced into a 5-1 lead.

However, Watson fought back and although she could not quite get on level terms, the Briton made her illustrious opponent work for the win.

A dramatic game of 12 deuces and seven game points apiece midway through the second set ended with Azarenka clinging on to her serve for a 5-2 lead, and she finally saw off the gritty Watson on her third match point.

“A week ago, I wasn’t sure if I was going to be here, but today I won my first match in however long, so I’ll take it,” said Azarenka.