Victoria Azarenka to miss ASB Classic in Auckland over ongoing custody dispute
Sunday 24 December 2017 17:12, UK
Victoria Azarenka has pulled out of the ASB Classic in Auckland over an ongoing custody dispute.
The two-time Australian Open champion has not played since Wimbledon and tournament organisers revealed on Sunday that she would not feature for "personal reasons".
Azarenka, who has been given a wild card into the year's opening Grand Slam, is involved in a legal battle with her former partner over the custody of their son Leo and will now have her start to the new season delayed.
The former world No 1 was due to appear alongside Caroline Wozniacki and Agnieszka Radwanska for the tournament from January 1.
Tournament director Karl Budge said: "There is obviously a fair bit going on and unfortunately the result of that is that Victoria won't be here next week.
"That's a tough one for her. She's been training hard and is a professional tennis player that wants to be playing tennis."
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