Azarenka hope for Open
TENNIS Australia has thrown Victoria Azarenka a grand slam lifeline, granting the former world No 1 a wildcard into next month’s Australian Open.
Azarenka is embroiled in a custody dispute over her infant son Leo and has not competed since Wimbledon in July.
Estranged from her former partner Billy McKeague, Azarenka is unable to travel from California with her son because of legal restrictions.
But she has committed to returning to competition in Auckland before the January 15-28 Australian Open. Azarenka played only six matches in 2017, having given birth last December.
In August, the Belarusian was hopeful of settling the child custody issues with McKeague. “As we work to resolve some of the legal processes, the way things stand now is that the only way I can play in the US Open this year is if I leave Leo behind in California, which I’m not willing to do,” Azarenka said at the time.
There has been no public statement on any change to that status, but the dual Australian Open champion is now prepared to return to the circuit.
“I’m so excited about coming back to Melbourne for the Australian Open, it’s my fav- ourite tournament,” Azarenka said. “I’ve won there twice and always feel so comfortable on court and the city is great.
“It’s been a tough year and being able to come back to the AO will be a really positive way to start 2018.
“I’d like to thank Craig and his team for their understanding and support and can’t wait to see all my Aussie fans again.”
Tiley said Tennis Australia empathised with Azarenka’s current situation, and “we have reached out to offer any support we can.”
“As a two-time Australian Open champion we’ve awarded her a wildcard and look forward to seeing her back on court in Melbourne in January.”
Azarenka is currently ranked outside the top 200.
Azarenka and defending champion Serena Williams will attempt to become the first mothers to win a grand slam since Kim Clijsters at the 2009 US Open.
In the professional era, only three players have managed to lift one of the four grand slam titles after childbirth — Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong and Clijsters.