Serena, Azarenka to be back at Australian Open next year
Organisers look forward to return of the supermums
Seven times champion Serena Williams will be back at the Australian Open in 2019 having missed her title defence this year after giving birth, organisers said yesterday.
The 23-time Grand Slam winner, who won on her last appearance in 2017 while pregnant, will be joined in January’s tournament by double Melbourne Park champion Victoria Azarenka who was forced to withdraw from the 2018 event because of a custody battle with her baby’s father.
Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said yesterday he was expecting a full contingent of the top 100 men and women players in Melbourne next year. “I’m delighted to announce that Serena Williams will return to the Australian Open in January,” Tiley said while launching the 2019 ■ event at Rod Laver Arena.
Williams needs one more Grand Slam singles victory to equal Australian Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24.
Tiley said the tournament was gearing up to welcome back Azarenka and Williams — and their children. “Vika (Azarenka) is also a new mum to toddler Leo and I’m looking forward to showing her, and Serena, our new creche facilities,” said Tiley. “I’m sure they’ll be appreciated.”
Six-time men’s winners Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, who captured his 20th Grand Slam title in Melbourne in January, look to be among the players to beat again in 2019.