Azarenka transforms into ‘uncomfortable’ soccer mom as son pursues PSG dreams

MELBOURNE (Reuters) – Victoria Azarenka is known for her cool and calm demeanor on the tennis courts, but the two-time Australian Open champion didn’t sit on the sidelines while her son Leo played. She says she becomes a loud and obnoxious “soccer mom” when she’s there. game.

Azarenka, who has been a fan of Paris Saint-Germain since former England international David Beckham briefly played for the French club a decade ago, said her affiliation had an impact on the six-year-old Leo, and they both He said he often wears matching PSG shirts.

Azarenka told reporters after defeating another former champion, USA’s Sofia Kenin, in straight sets to advance to the second round of this season’s Grands. slam opener.

“He wants to play for Paris Saint-Germain. That’s his dream. I’m a football mom now and I love it. I’m the most uncomfortable human being.

“… cheering for my son is a completely different feeling for me. Like Zero, I’m not ashamed to shout for him. I want him to do it, I want him to make his dream come true.”

Azarenka, who won the Australian Open in 2012 and 2013, took a year off on maternity leave from 2016 to 2017, and her split with her partner and Leo’s custody battle remained unresolved until 2018.

Leo traveled with Azarenka on tour and stole the show at the post-match press conference in Melbourne last year when he sat on Azarenka’s lap and answered questions about her performance.

“Just going to his games, for example, was quite an experience,” added Azarenka.

“Leo, do you like your mom supporting you?” He says, “Yeah, I love it, mom.”

“‘Isn’t it too loud?’ He said, ‘Well, sometimes, but that’s okay. I like it. So it’s a wholesome moment for me.'”

Reported by Rohith Nair, Bangalore.Edited by John Stonestreet

Our standards: Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.