Victoria Azarenka seemingly pointing towards imminent tennis retirement, reappears after radio silence with birthday message

Victoria Azarenka celebrated her 37th birthday very lately. She celebrated the occasion with the people closest in her life as she had time to think and ponder with a return to the WTA Tour seemingly unlikely after dropping a hint in a lengthy message on social media. This followed a period of radio silence with no mention of tennis.

The two-time Grand Slam champion is running out of years to compete on the tour at a competitive level. She was in her pomp between 2011 and 2013. This was when she won her two Australian Open titles while reaching the final of the US Open in both 2012 and 2013.

In total, the Belarusian has reached five major finals, won 21 WTA titles which include 10 at WTA 1000 level. She also spent 19 weeks as world number one, proving her worth on the big stage.

However, over the years the injuries have mounted and she has never been able to keep up that brilliant form she once possessed, although still a very dangerous player and an icon for many.

She competed in much of the 2025 season, last appearing on court at the US Open where she lost in the third round to Jessica Pegula. No reasons have been confirmed to why she has not appeared since with retirement, injuries or a break among the possibilities.

Azarenka had some time to herself to think, using that opportunity on her 37th birthday to reflect and realise how fortunate she was to have the people around in her life.

"This birthday felt different," she wrote on X. "On my drive home after Pilates today, I caught myself thinking about how special it is to simply be surrounded by family and friends. I asked both my mum and my dad when the last time was that we were all together for my birthday, and none of us could remember. That made today feel even more meaningful.

"For the first time in a long time, I didn’t find myself wishing for anything. I just felt grateful. Grateful to be present, to enjoy the moment, and to appreciate the people around me."

Being away from the spotlight and the pressures the WTA Tour brings is a welcoming break for the Belarusian. She seems to be wanting to continue this time away from the headlines, a telling sign that her tennis career could be coming to a sudden stop with other priorities in her life set to take precedent.

"I’ve also spent some time away from the public eye recently, and it’s given me the chance to enjoy quiet moments, private moments, and family moments that I haven’t really been able to experience since I was very young. Those moments have become incredibly meaningful to me."

Azarenka finished by thanking for all the messages and thoughts being directed towards her. "To everyone who took the time to send me birthday wishes—thank you. Every message meant a lot, and I’m truly grateful. Here’s to another year of being present, appreciating the little things, and making memories with the people I love."

The North American hardcourt swing is in full flow with the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Open leading to the US Open. Azarenka, a three-time finalist, looks very likely that she will not be competing. A surprising return to tennis will come through a wildcard at a tournament due to her being ranked 453rd in the world.