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Azarenka pulls out of Australian Open
MELBOURNE, Jan 8, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Former champion Victoria Azarenka, who
has been locked in a custody battle over her young son, pulled out of the
Australian Open on Monday.
The two-time winner had been handed a wildcard into the opening Grand Slam
of the year in Melbourne, starting on January 15, but will not be making the
trip.
“It’s unfortunate that Azarenka is unable to travel to Australia this
year,” tournament director Craig Tiley tweeted.
“The Australian Open is her favourite tournament and she’s looking forward
to returning to Melbourne next year.”
Azarenka returned from maternity leave in the middle of last year but
skipped the US Open after a Los Angeles judge presiding in a custody case
over her son Leo ruled she could not leave California until the matter had
been settled.
She had been in doubt for Melbourne Park after pulling out of last week’s
Auckland Classic.
The Belarusian is the latest top name to withdraw from the Australian
Open.
Serena Williams, herself a new mother, opted out last week, saying she was
still not at the level needed for a major tournament after giving birth.
Andy Murray and Kei Nishikori are also non-starters after succumbing to
injury.
BSS/AFP/MSY/1124 hrs