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Azarenka pens SI essay on Olympic motivations

The Belarusian says she's motivated by athletes who celebrated wi

ByNina Pantic

Published Aug 22, 2016

Victoria Azarenka's career is on hold after announcing her pregnancy earlier this summer, but she's been adamant about returning to the tour. The two-time Olympic medalist had clawed back up to No. 4 after winning Indian Wells and Miami earlier this year. While she wasn't able to compete in Rio, she did have time to write another blog entry for *Sports Illustrated*, and gush about all her favorite moments and biggest motivation.

The two-time Grand Slam champion covers some of the biggest tennis highlights from Juan Martin del Potro to Monica Puig, but doesn't limit herself to her own sport, also talking about her love for basketball, beach volleyball and Michael Phelps.

The expecting mother was most motivated by seeing how many Olympic athletes made successful returns after having children, and then got to celebrate their Rio achievements with their families.

"For the first time this year I paid attention to how many athletes have come back after having children, to then go on to compete at the highest level in their sport," Azarenka writes. "The most wonderful article I have seen during this time was filled with photographs of Olympic champions celebrating with their kids—motivation at its finest!"

In any case, it's clear the 26-year-old can't wait to be back on court.

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