Victoria Azarenka’s hopes of playing in Australia Open in doubt because of custody fight

FORMER world No.1 Victoria Azarenka’s hopes of contesting next month’s Australian Open are in the ­balance because of continuing custody battle.

Victoria Azarenka has pulled out of the ASB Classic. Picture: Mark Stewart

FORMER world No.1 Victoria Azarenka’s hopes of contesting next month’s Australian Open continue to hang in the ­balance.

The dual Melbourne Park champion has been granted a wildcard by organisers but the Belarussian might not be able to use it.

A continuing legal battle between Azarenka and her former partner over the custody of their infant son Leo has effectively stalled Azarenka’s career.

Ominously, the right-hander has already scuttled plans to resume at the ASB Classic in Auckland next week.

Azarenka’s decision to abandon the New Zealand pipe-opener doesn’t bode well for the January 15-28 Australian Open.

Victoria Azarenka’s Australian Open plans are up in the air. Picture: Mark Stewart

The baseliner told Kiwi organisers she will be unable to play in Auckland for “personal reasons.”

Azarenka not played since Wimbledon in July because she cannot leave California with her son until a dispute with her former partner ends.

Sympathetic to Azarenka’s cause, Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley allocated a wildcard to the right-hander.

Currently ranked outside the top 200 - and otherwise condemned to qualifying - Azarenka had hoped to join fellow mother Serena Williams at Melbourne Park.

If Azarenka is unable to resolve the situation quickly, it is increasingly likely she will surrender the wildcard.

If so, TA would probably consider the claims of a young Australian player.

As it stands, only one more discretionary wildcard is on offer after the various play-offs.

There are two men’s wildcards left.