“What You Do in Life-You Never Stop Needing Your Mom”: Victoria Azarenka, Naomi Osaka, and Others Share Mother’s Day Moments

On the occasion of Mother’s day on Sunday (May 9), several female tennis stars took to their social media handles and expressed their gratitude to their mothers. The players who did so included the likes of Victoria Azarenka, Naomi Osaka, Sania Mirza, amongst others. 

Victoria Azarenka, Naomi Osaka, and others posted Mother’s day wishes

Former world number one and runner-up at last year’s US Open, Victoria Azarenka, took to Twitter to express her affection for her mother along with the joy she felt being a mother herself. 

The Belarusian, who has a son named Leo, had to fight legally to get his custody after divorcing her husband. She mentioned that it was a phase of turmoil, grief, and anger in her life, and she would never wish it on anybody. 

When Azarenka finally won the custody battle, she spent the entire lockdown with Leo. When tennis resumed in September last year, Azarenka managed to win the Cincinnati Open and reached the US Open finals as well. 

“Happy Mother’s Day! It doesn’t matter how old you are, or what you do in life- you never stop needing your mom,” wrote Azarenka.

Also read: “I’m Doing For Me”: Victoria Azarenka Hits Back at a Tennis Fan Over Vaccination Jibe

Current world number two, Naomi Osaka, also wished a happy mother’s day to her mother by posting a photo of them together. 

Former world number one and the winner of the 2008 French Open, Ana Ivanovic, has a special bonding with her mother. Ivanovic, who was born in Yugoslavia, had a difficult childhood, and it was her mother, Dragana Ivanovic, who stood by her. 

Her mother took Ivanovic to Basel, Switzerland, in order to provide her with the best training facilities and was present at almost all of Ana’s matches until her retirement. 

“Happy Mother’s Day to my role model, best friend and partner in crime. I am striving to become like you one day. Thank you for everything. Love you so much, mama,” Ana Ivanovic posted on Twitter. 

American tennis player Madison Keys, who had a career-high ranking of number seven, also posted a picture of her mother.

Renowned Indian tennis star Sania Mirza, who has won six Grand Slam titles (three in doubles and three in mixed-doubles), also expressed her gratitude towards her mother. 

“My mother strongest. I get it from my mama. Happy Mother’s Day Mumma and to all the lovely mothers out there,” Sania Mirza wrote on Instagram. 

“First Mother’s Day but forever in love!!”- Taylor Townsend

The American tennis player Taylor Townsend, who registered a memorable victory against Simona Halep at the 2019 US Open, gave birth to a boy last year. 

The young American was ranked number one in the junior singles circuit in 2014. Since then, Townsend had a roller-coaster ride with her tennis career but didn’t give up playing. Currently basking in the glory of motherhood, the American posted a picture of her son on Instagram. 

“First Mother’s Day but forever in love!!” Taylor Townsend mentioned. 

Each of the tennis players mentioned above has had a different journey growing up, but all of them had the consistent support of their mothers throughout their journey. 

Also read: “So Perfectly Shown This Year”: Taylor Townsend Inspired by Serena Williams, Victoria Azarenka and Others