Victoria Azarenka handed wildcard for Australian Open
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Victoria Azarenka has been handed a wildcard entry for the Australian Open from the tournament’s management amidst the custody dispute over her baby son. The player has applauded the favor and said that she was excited about coming back to Melbourne for the and calling it her favorite tournament.
The 28-year-old pulled out of the US Open and the Davis Cup final earlier this year because of a custody battle over her young son. But Australian Open director Craig Tiley said all kind of assistance would be provided to the player so that she can play in the tournament.
"Vika's current situation is obviously very difficult for her and we have reached out to offer any support we can," Tiley said as quoted by AFP.
"As a two-time Australian Open champion we've awarded her a wildcard and look forward to seeing her back on the court in Melbourne in January."
Currently, Azarenka is ranked 210 in the world and has not played since Wimbledon. Azarenka, who won the Australian Open title in 2012 and 2013, has stated that a judge in California has not allowed her to travel outside of California with 11-month old Leo while a legal case was ongoing. After receiving the wildcard, now she is looking forward to returning to the opening Grand Slam of the year.
"I'm so excited about coming back to Melbourne for the Australian Open, it's my favorite tournament," she said.
"I've won there twice and always feel so comfortable on
"It's been a tough year and being able to come back to the Australian Open 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."
The Australian Open begins on January 15.
