A few days ago, Victoria Azarenka and Serena Williams met again, but not on the tennis court. Azarenka shared the photo, and Serena left this comment: "You look so amazing! Happy to see you doing so well!"

A little over a year ago, the Belarusian was on the biggest hot streak of her career. After struggling with a foot injury, she shot back up the rankings thanks to winning Indian Wells and Miami back-to-back.

She was playing so well that spring that nobody could stop her, not even world No. 1 Williams.

Advertising

In the Indian Wells final, Azarenka saved 11 of 12 break points to beat the American in straight sets on her way to sweeping the spring’s two most prestigious hard court tournaments.

In July, Azarenka would reveal that she would have to take time off from the sport to tackle an exciting new challenge—pregnancy and motherhood.

Advertising

The former No. 1 gave birth to her son, Leo, in December.

While Azarenka has not set a firm date for her return, the 27-year-old has had only good things to say about her rival, congratulating Williams after she won her 23rd major in Melbourne (where Azarenka is a two-time champion).

Advertising

In recent years, Azarenka has consistently been Williams’ toughest opponent, with six of their last nine matches going to three sets. Don’t let Serena’s 17-4 head-to-head lead fool you—Azarenka has proven that she has no problem going strike for strike against the best player in the world.

Even though their latest meeting was off the court, will they battle in front of the biggest crowds in the world again? Hopefully their rivalry isn’t over just yet.