Victory for Victoria but life is far from straightforward

Victoria Azarenka said she would not wish her custody battle difficulties on anyone after joining Serena Williams in winning her comeback match in Indian Wells.

Williams defeated Zarina Diyas 7-5 6-3 in her first official singles contest since the birth of her daughter Alexis Olympia six months ago while Azarenka has not played since Wimbledon last summer because of her ongoing battle with her former partner over the care of their son Leo.

Azarenka is currently unable to take the one-year-old out of California and has not been prepared to travel without him.

The former world number one held back tears as she walked out on court to face Britain’s Heather Watson and, after winning the match 6-4 6-2, she told reporters at the BNP Paribas Open about her struggles.

Azarenka said: “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.

“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.

“It’s unfortunate and it’s not a great time but it’s part of life and I’m still 28 years old and recently there are number ones over 30 so I’m okay with that. I’m still young.”

Azarenka, who faces US Open champion Sloane Stephens in round two, is good friends with Williams and the pair have been in frequent contact.

“She’s been really supportive throughout this whole situation, sending really nice and encouraging messages,” said Azarenka, who announced she will also play the Miami Open in two weeks’ time.

“I’m so proud of her, I’m so supportive of what she’s doing and I think her daughter is adorable and we have another connection which is a lot deeper than tennis right now. But I think we both can easily say we can’t wait to play against each other on some big stages.”

The appearances Williams had made on court since the birth of her daughter, where potentially life-threatening complications left her bed-ridden for six weeks, had indicated she was some way from her best level but she impressed against Diyas despite being understandably rusty.

The 36-year-old said at her post-match press conference: “Sometimes I think about those moments I was in the hospital and just not really realising how serious it was until later and being able to come through that makes me feel like no matter what happens I know I’m capable of being strong. Whether I win or lose, there’s so much more to my life.”

Learning to be apart from her daughter is one of the biggest challenges for Williams, who said: “I almost cried before the match. I texted (husband) Alexis (Ohanian) and was like, ‘Is it normal that I want to cry’, because I really missed her.

“Playing at night really helped because I know she goes to bed, she goes to sleep. So I know I can’t play with her right now so there’s nothing I can do.”

Elsewhere, Russia’s Sofya Zhuk claimed her first WTA win over Alize Cornet, triumphing 7-5 6-4, and fellow 18-year-old Catherine Bellis defeated Sara Sorribes Tormo 6-0 6-3 to set up a clash against defending champion Elena Vesnina.