The US Open this year has seen an unprecedented number of moms competing in the tournament. With a total of 10 mothers in the main draw, including top players like Victoria Azarenka, Elina Svitolina, and Caroline Wozniacki, it begs the question - are motherhood and tennis compatible?

Victoria Azarenka, currently ranked No. 18, is the highest-ranked mom in the singles event. Azarenka, a two-time Australian Open champion, had her son Leo in 2016 and returned to the tour in 2017. She reached the final of the 2020 US Open, finishing as the runner-up.

Elina Svitolina, a former world No. 3, had her daughter Skai last October and returned to the tour in April of this year. She has already had strong performances in her first two majors back, reaching the quarterfinals of Roland Garros and the semifinals of Wimbledon.

Caroline Wozniacki, a Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1, retired from professional tennis after the 2020 Australian Open. She had two children, a daughter in 2021 and a son in 2022, before making a comeback to the tour just three weeks ago.

These moms, along with others like Tatjana Maria and Taylor Townsend, are showing that it is possible to balance motherhood and a professional tennis career. Their presence in the US Open is not only inspiring but also challenging the notion that becoming a mother means the end of a competitive sports career.

As more women athletes become mothers and return to their respective sports, it raises important discussions about the support and opportunities available for mothers in sports. The rise of moms in the US Open is a significant step towards greater inclusivity and representation in the world of tennis.