Can Victoria Azarenka return to prominence at Wimbledon?

Outside of Serena Williams, the top of the women’s game seems to be a revolving door. Every few years someone new seems to attempt to hold down the top spot in the game. From 2011 through 2014, it looked like Victoria Azarenka was going to be the one to change that narrative.

The Minsk native was a staple in the top 3 and did reach No. 1 in the world rankings. It was during this time that Victoria Azarenka did almost all of her damage at the Grand Slams. Two Australian Open titles (2012, 2013), a French Open semifinal (2013), two Wimbledon semifinals (2011, 2012), and a pair of US Open finals (2012, 2013).

During this short reign of excellence, Azarenka became known around the world for her fearsome power on both wings as well as her tenacious fighting spirit. Her roar in the midst of battle became a signature for the soon-to-be superstar.

Can Victoria Azarenka make a huge comeback at the 2023 Wimbledon?

She won her first Grand Slam down under by obliterating the legendary Maria Sharapova 6-3 6-0. It was a comprehensive performance that introduced the Belarusian to the world. To that point, outside of the Williams sisters, Sharapova was the biggest name in the women’s game.

But the Williams sisters, Venus and Serena, and Maria Sharapova are now mostly gone from the game. (Yes, Venus is trying to make her own comeback at Wimbledon but no one likely expects her to win.) But maybe Azarenka can change her own narrative and make a late-career run at a Grand Slam title.