Victoria Azarenka handed Australian Open 2018 wildcard

Sport360 staff 08:23 13/12/2017
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  • Two-time champion Victoria Azarenka will be awarded a wildcard into Australian Open 2018, the tournament confirmed on Wednesday.

    The former world No. 1, who returned from maternity leave at the Mallorca Open in June, has not competed since Wimbledon last July due to an ongoing custody battle that has kept her in California

    Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said that every assistance would be provided to the Belarusian in order for her to compete at the event where she has achieved her greatest success.

    “Vika’s current situation is obviously very difficult for her and we have reached out to offer any support we can,” said Tiley.

    “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 looking forward to returning to Melbourne and the Australian Open where she has hoisted the trophy in 2012 and 2013.

    “I’m so excited about coming back to Melbourne for the Australian Open, it’s my favourite 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.”

    Azarenka is currently ranked 210 in the world having competed in just two tournaments in 2017, reaching the second round in Mallorca and the fourth round at Wimbledon.

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