Victoria Azarenka has called for expanded childcare facilities for players as she makes her tennis return at Wimbledon after giving birth six months ago.
Belarus tennis star Victoria Azarenka Photo: AFP
The double Australian Open champion is now travelling with son Leo and is discovering the complexities with keeping an infant safe and entertained around the tennis environment.
"I have been already talking about this point to some of the people in the WTA," the former number one said.
"From my own power, 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.
With elite tennis players already living in the lap of luxury at events - with free hotels, food, transport - Azarenka is seeking even more on a regular and predictable basis.
Creches are not mandatory on the WTA Tour, but they do exist at all four grand slams. The WTA was quick to claim ongoing medical service for tennis mothers.
"From a health care perspective, the WTA provide via Sport Sciences and Medicine, and Athlete Assistance physical and psychological health and wellbeing support and services," it said in a statement.
"This includes attention to the special musculoskeletal, physiological and psychosocial needs of pregnant, post-partum and breastfeeding mothers, including educational information, and specialised women's health physiotherapy and counselling services, if needed."
-AAP
