Victoria Azarenka would have to qualify for the Australian Open. However, according to media reports, the two-time title holder has asked for a wildcard.
Mallorca and Wimbledon – those who visit these two stations during the tennis year have done little wrong. However, if these are the only two appearances during the whole season, then something is going wrong. Just like Victoria Azarenka. The late start to the past season could not have been explained by maternity leave, but the defeat to Simona Halep in Wimbledon in the last match of 2017 for Azarenka could not have been foreseen. However, the custody dispute over son Leo prevented further appearances.
In a few weeks’ time, everything should be better, the Belarussian has just reaffirmed her plan to start in Auckland. In theory, the former world number one in the rankings would also be ready to qualify for the first Grand Slam tournament of the year. On the other hand, if there were an easier way – a wildcard – Viktoria Azarenka would certainly not close her eyes to it.
Christopher Clarey of the New York Times, one of the most networked tennis journalists, reports that Azarenka has asked tournament director Craig Tiley for a guaranteed main field spot.
The chances of this should not be bad – even if Tennis Australia, as an organising association, primarily promotes its own junior players (besides the agreed seats for the other Grand Slam hosts). This does not include Victoria Azarenka – but she has two titles in Melbourne on her letterhead, 2012 and 2013. And since Tiley recently announced that he was expecting all the stars of the ladies and gentlemen at the Australian Open, Azarenka’s presence would be imperative. After all, the 28-year-old has shown at her few appearances in 2017 that she is still able to keep up with the absolute world leaders, even if her training is far behind.