Azarenka ignites Wimbledon with return to form
The renewed Grand Slam champion defeated her first seeded player
In just her second tournament since giving birth to her son Leo, Victoria Azarenka has defeated her first seeded player, and she did so with the roar of the crowd behind her.
Defeating Elena Vesnina, 6-3, 6-3 in Wimbledon action on Wednesday, the Belarusian has already become a fan-favorite. Her fun and friendly personality has been missed on tour. Case in point, during a medical time out for Vesnina, Azarenka convinced a ball girl to feed her balls:
It's moments like this that make tennis memorable for both fans and children.
Azarenka is looking to become just the second mother in over a century to capture the Wimbledon title. The two-time Grand Slam champion has adjusted to motherhood quickly, bringing Leo along for the ride at the All England Club.
The 27-year-old is a two-time Wimbledon semifinalist, and, in a battle of the favorites, takes on local hero Heather Watson for a spot in the fourth round. Watson has won both her matches this week in straight sets, and is one of just two Brits remaining in the women's draw (along with Johanna Konta).
Follow Niko on Twitter: @nikovercelletto
**—GRAND SLAM WEEK: Watch Wimbledon Primetime on Tennis Channel, and catch up on the other 2017 Grand Slams on Tennis Channel Plus
—Watch encores from the 2017 French Open and Australian Open on Tennis Channel Plus, including matches like the AO Final showdown between Serena & Venus Williams**