Coach cuts ties with Azarenka
ASB Classic tournament director Karl Budge is still confident Victoria Azarenka will play at January’s tournament, despite her coach splitting with her.
Michael Joyce has announced he’s moving elsewhere, saying in a statement this is partly because of Azarenka’s lengthy custody battle over her son and uncertainty over her playing future.
The 28-year-old from Belarus has only played two tournaments this year, mainly because of a battle with her former partner, Billy McKeague over the custody of their son, Leo.
When Azarenka, who has dropped to 204 in the world rankings, was confirmed for the Classic, she said how excited she was to being able to play again.
‘‘I am looking forward to getting back on the court to compete in January and I can’t think of a better place to start the 2018 season than in Auckland,’’ the two-time Australian Open winner said last month.
‘‘I’ve worked extremely hard with my team over the last few months and continue to do so for the new season, and with my goal in mind to get back to world No 1 and compete for Grand Slam titles.’’
But in a statement put out for Joyce, he cited Azarenka’s continuing personal problems as the reason why he’s moving on. It is expected he’ll team up with Britain’s Johanna Konta.
‘‘Vika is an extremely talented player,’’ Joyce said. ‘‘While I am excited to see her return to tennis, I encourage and respect her decision to put her family first.
‘‘It is with deep regret that I have decided to move forward with my coaching career while she continues to work out her private life.’’
Azarenka is one of the big name drawcards for the women’s Classic, along with Caroline Wozniacki and Agnieszka Radwanska.
It would be a huge disappointment if she doesn’t play in Auckland, but Budge says he’s optimistic she’ll make the trip.
‘‘All we can do is keep having dialogue with her and her team,’’ Budge said. ‘‘We’re booking hotel rooms and we’re doing everything from our side as if she’s playing. She wants to be here and she wants to get back in form.’’
It is believed Azarenka and McKeague are waiting for a judge’s verdict over the custody of Leo. This battle has stopped Azarenka from playing any tournaments since Wimbledon in July.