Victoria Azarenka emphasises need for further 'stability' and 'financial security' for returning mothers as Osaka and Kerber set for comeback

Former world number one has called for more financial security for women tennis player, especially for those who recently became mothers.

Two former world number ones — Japan’s Naomi Osaka and Germany’s Angelique Kerber — are expected to return to the court in 2024 after giving birth recently. Azarenka, who is a two-time Grand Slam winner, was recently quoted in a report where she stated that she is excited to see players of such quality returning to action but also calls on authorities to find a way to bring more financial stability, especially for more players who became mothers.

"I'm very excited to see players are coming back," said the 34-year-old. "I've said it few years ago already. I think we broke the stereotype that you be an athlete and have family. This definitely has been broken. It's actually evolved more and more.

“The testament of that is how many players are feeling comfortable and confident coming back and continue being on tour. I believe that we still have a lot more growth to do in that space to continue to push forward being a women's leading sport.

"How we can make our athletes feel more secure, more comfortable at all levels, not just top level. At lower levels, where they have that stability, financial security to keep coming back. I think we have an opportunity to do that in women's sports like maybe not before. I hope we put the right resources into that."