Victoria Azarenka wants facilities like nurseries for tennis mums

Belarus' Victoria Azarenka during her second round win over Russia's Elena Vesnina at the Wimbledon Championships in London yesterday. Pic/AFP

Belarus' Victoria Azarenka during her second round win over Russia's Elena Vesnina at the Wimbledon Championships in London yesterday. Pic/AFP

Victoria Azarenka has called on WTA chiefs to provide more support for players who return to the tour after having children. Azarenka stepped up her bid to become the first mother to win Wimbledon in 37 years as the former world number one defeated Russian 15th seed Elena Vesnina 6-3, 6-3 in the second round on Wednesday.

In her first Grand Slam since taking a year off to have her first child in December, the 27-year-old Belarusian hopes to become the first mother to lift the Wimbledon women's singles trophy since Evonne Goolagong in 1980.

Azarenka has brought her son Leo with her to Wimbledon and has her partner and mother around to help. But she believes it is time the women's tour provided more on-site facilities for players with children, pointing out that the ATP has nurseries at their tournaments for dads who bring along their kids.

"Yeah, I hope that's the case. I have been already talking about this point to some of the people in WTA," Azarenka said. "I'll do anything to make that happen, because I think it's really important.

"The guys do have that luxury of having the nurseries and stuff at every event and I think it's time for women to have the same benefit. I think for women is much more important and harder."

Only Goolagong, Margaret Court and Kim Clijsters have won a Grand Slam singles title after having a child. Roger Federer, a seven-time Wimbledon winner, has two sets of twins who are often seen at his matches along with his wife Mirka.

Through her yesterday's win, Azarenka set up a meeting with Britain's Heather Watson, who sent 18th seed Anastasija Sevastova packing in a 6-0, 6-4 win.