Azarenka withdraws from Australian Open
Two-time champion Victoria Azarenka will not be competing in next week's Australian Open, after the tournament confirmed the former World No.1's withdrawal on Monday.
Azarenka was previously awarded a wildcard by the tournament in December, with tournament director Craig Tiley stating that the Australian Open "reached out to offer any support we can."
The Belarusian returned to the WTA for two tournaments in 2017 after giving birth to son Leo last December, reaching the fourth round of Wimbledon, but has been kept out of competitive action since then due to an ongoing family matter.
The Belarusian also accepted a wildcard to last week's ASB Classic in Auckland, but was forced to withdraw.
"It is unfortunate that [Azarenka] is unable to travel to Australia this year," Tiley said in a statement on Monday.
"The Australian Open is her favourite tournament and she's looking forward to returning to Melbourne next year."
Azarenka's wildcard, the last to now be awarded, will instead be given to Ajla Tomljanovic.
World No.108 Tomljanovic reached the second round of the Brisbane International last week, falling to Johanna Konta in three sets, and has twice reached the second round in Melbourne.
The Croatian reached a career-high ranking of World No.47 in 2015, and returned following surgery for a shoulder injury last year.
The Australian Open begins in Melbourne Park on Jan. 15.
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Azarenka was previously awarded a wildcard by the tournament in December, with tournament director Craig Tiley stating that the Australian Open "reached out to offer any support we can."
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Two-time champion Victoria Azarenka withdrew from next week's Australian Open, as announced by the tournament on Monday.
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The Belarusian also accepted a wildcard to last week's ASB Classic in Auckland, but was forced to withdraw.
"It is unfortunate that [Azarenka] is unable to travel to Australia this year," Tiley said in a statement on Monday.
"The Australian Open is her favourite tournament and she's looking forward to returning to Melbourne next year."
Azarenka's wildcard, the last to now be awarded, will instead be given to Ajla Tomljanovic.
World No.108 Tomljanovic reached the second round of the Brisbane International last week, falling to Johanna Konta in three sets, and has twice reached the second round in Melbourne.
The Croatian reached a career-high ranking of World No.47 in 2015, and returned following surgery for a shoulder injury last year.
The Australian Open begins in Melbourne Park on Jan. 15.
Source
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