CHICAGO, January 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Azarenka starts 2012 with new Wilson Juice ™

Wilson Sporting Goods (http://www.wilson.com), has signed a long term partnership with world no. 3 Victoria (Vika) Azarenka.

"I'm extremely excited to be changing to Wilson's new Juice racket. The power and spin that I feel with this racket is insane and I look forward to seeing what I can do with it," said Azarenka. In addition to the Wilson Juice tennis racket, Azarenka will accessorize with the matching new blue Tour tennis bag and exclusive Wilson Emotisorb shock absorber every time she steps on to the court.

"Vika's talent is undeniable, and she has been one of the tour's most consistent performers. Our goal is to provide the best equipment to help elevate her game and help her reach her goal of winning her first Grand Slam," said Renaud Vallon, global tour director for Wilson. "She is a very powerful player, with a dynamic personality and we are very thrilled to have her join the Wilson family."

In 2011, Azarenka finished at a career high of number three to become the highest-ranked Belarusian player in history, after reaching the semi-finals of Wimbledon and the finals at WTA Tour Championships in November. Azarenka has also begun to distinguish herself off the court as a tennis teen idol with her good looks, fashionista ways and engaging Twitter posts.

Leading up to the 2012 Australian Open, last week, Azarenka upset world number one Caroline Wozniacki, at the World Tennis Charity Invitation in Hua Hin, Thailand, by beating her 6-2, 7-5 and is off to a great start at the Apia International Sydney, defeating Stefanie Voegele 6-2, 6-1 in the 1st round.

About Wilson: Wilson Racquet Sports is a division of Chicago-based Wilson Sporting Goods, one of the world's leading manufacturers of sports equipment and owned by Amer Sports. Wilson designs, manufactures and distributes sporting goods throughout the world and focuses on making technologically advanced products which help players of all levels perform better. Wilson's core sport categories include: Football, Basketball, Baseball, Volleyball, Soccer, Youth Sports, Uniforms/Apparel, Golf, Footwear and Racquet Sports (Tennis, Racquetball, Squash, Badminton and Platform Tennis). For more information, visit http://www.wilson.com.

SOURCE Wilson Sporting Goods