The 2026 French Open entry lists are out, and for another major, a familiar champion is missing. Victoria Azarenka, the former World No. 1 and two-time Australian Open winner, was once again absent from the roster, extending her competitive hiatus through the first half of the season.

At 36, Azarenka's legacy is secure: a two-time Grand Slam singles champion, an Olympic gold medalist, and one of the few players to ever achieve the prestigious "Sunshine Double." Yet, her silence on the tour in 2026 has been notable. With no official retirement announcement, her absence feels like an open question mark on the WTA circuit.

As a dedicated single mother to her nine-year-old son, Leo, it's possible Azarenka is prioritizing family during the school year, with a potential return for the summer grass and hardcourt swings. This balance between elite sport and parenthood is a challenge familiar to many athlete parents, making her current path deeply relatable.

Her career stands as a testament to powerful, aggressive tennis—a style that inspired a generation. With 21 WTA singles titles and multiple major doubles crowns, her potential departure would leave a significant void. While contemporaries like Stan Wawrinka and Gael Monfils enjoy celebratory farewell tours, Azarenka may simply prefer a quieter, more personal transition from the sport she dominated.

Whether she returns for one more campaign or chooses to step away, Victoria Azarenka's impact—marked by resilience, powerful groundstrokes, and iconic victories—remains permanently etched in tennis history.