Azarenka to return to action in Melbourne

London : Former world number one Victoria Azarenka has been awarded a wildcard for the Australian Open.

The 28-year-old missed this year’s US Open and Belarus’ Fed Cup final due to an ongoing child custody battle, and has not played since Wimbledon.

She previously told her fans she was not permitted to take her 11-month-old son, Leo, out of California.

But the two-time Australian Open champion has said she will be returning to the court in Melbourne in January, with the tournament organisers promising to do all they can to ensure she is able to compete.

Tournament director Craig Tiley said: “Vika’s current situation is obviously very difficult for her and we have reached out to offer any support we can.

“As a two-time Australian Open champion we’ve awarded her a wildcard and look forward to seeing her back on court.”

Azarenka added: “I’m so excited about coming back to Melbourne for the Australian Open - it’s my favourite tournament.