Elena Vesnina set for second pregnancy return at 37, left inspired by Serena Williams and Caroline Wozniacki
WTA
Former
world No. 1 in doubles, Elena Vesnina, confessed that she drew inspiration from
Serena Williams, Caroline Wozniacki, and Kim Clijsters for her comeback to the
WTA Tour after her second pregnancy.
The
37-year-old Russian, who announced her return on Instagram, expressed her
readiness to resume professional competition after winning the silver medal at
the Tokyo 2021 Olympics alongside Aslan Karatsev. Vesnina had taken a one-year
sabbatical from professional play and, a few months later, revealed her second
pregnancy, giving birth to her daughter Anna in December 2023.
Vesnina
shared her comeback announcement on Instagram and mentioned in an interview
that she found inspiration in other top tennis players who returned to the tour
after becoming mothers: "I was very inspired by Caroline Wozniacki, Kim
Clijsters, Serena Williams, Tatjana Maria, Bondarenko, and all of them mothers
who returned to the tour after having babies," Vesnina told Punto De
Break.
"For
me they are heroines, I know how much energy is needed for this, being a mother
is the most difficult job in the world because it is 24/7,” she added.
"You
do not receive money and you are always spending. You have to be in charge of
so many things… that's why it's the most difficult job, but also the best and
most rewarding," Vesnina added.
Elina Vesnina's Prolific Doubles Career:
Vesnina
enjoyed a prolific career in women's doubles, securing titles in three Grand
Slam tournaments: the French Open (2013), US Open (2014), and Wimbledon (2017).
Alongside her compatriot, Yekaterina Makarova, she also clinched the gold medal
at the 2016 Olympic Games and the WTA Tour Championships in 2016.
In addition
to her women's doubles successes, Vesnina achieved victory in mixed doubles at
the Australian Open in 2016, partnering with Brazilian Bruno Soares. At the
Tokyo 2020 Olympics, she claimed the silver medal with Aslan Karatsev after a
defeat against fellow Russians Andrey Rublev and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
Despite her
impressive achievements, Vesnina faced disappointment in 12 Grand Slam finals,
encompassing both women's doubles and mixed doubles. Nonetheless, she can
proudly boast a total of 19 doubles titles and three singles titles. One of her
most notable achievements came in the 2017 Indian Wells tournament, where she
emerged as the surprise champion, defeating world No. 2 Angelique Kerber, No.
12 Venus Williams, and No. 8 Svetlana Kuznetsova in the final.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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