Australian Open: Azarenka receives wildcard for Melbourne

Happy news for Victoria Azarenka! After a seven-month break from the Australian Open (15. till 28. January) with a wildcard.

Craig Tiley kept his word. The Australian Open’s Tournament Director had announced that all the stars will be in Melbourne. Including Victoria Azarenka, whose wish for a wildcard is fulfilled.

“Vika’s current situation is very difficult, so we want to support her,”Tiley explained the decision pro Azarenka. The two-time Australian Open winner was only able to play two tournaments in 2017 because of a custody dispute over son Leo.

“It’s been a tough year. Many thanks to Craig and his team for their understanding and support. I’m so excited to be returning to Melbourne. It’s my absolute favorite tournament,”Azarenka was pleased to say.

The 28-year-old Belarussian had already received a wildcard last month for the preparatory tournament in Auckland, where she will be playing from the second round onwards. January into the new tennis year.