Two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka was handed a wildcard for the Australian Open 2018. The 28-year-old was forced to pull out of the US Open and the Davis Cup final due to a custody dispute over her young son. Tournament director Craign Tiley said, “Vika’s current situation is obviously very difficult for her. We have reached out to offer any support we can.”
via Imago
Victoria Azarenka at the Australian Open
The former world number one has plummeted down the ranking to 201. The Belarusian has not played a single match since Wimbledon 2017. The 2012 and 2013 champion has claimed that a California judge has imposed travel sanctions against her. The 28-year old cannot travel outside California with 11-month old Leo during an ongoing legal case.
Azarenka said, “I’m so excited about coming back to Melbourne for the Australian Open, it’s my favourite tournament. 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.”
Victoria Azarenka has already granted a wildcard to the WTA Auckland event. She will be using that tournament as her preparation for the 2018 season. The Australian Open 2018 kicks off on 15 January. Earlier, it had been reported that Serena Williams was on the official roster while Azarenka’s participation was in doubt. With this wildcard entry though, the double Australian Open champion is guaranteed to make an appearance. Now the big question is, can she get back in the groove or will the stress of her legal case break her? We can only hope that all her troubles will eventually sort itself out as no mother should be kept away from her child.
