Two-time grand slam champion Victoria Azarenka has pulled out of the US Open due to an ‘ongoing family situation.’
The Belarusian recently confirmed that she is engaged in a legal conflict with her former partner regarding the custody of their son Leo. Shortly after Wimbledon Azarenka separated from Billy McKeague, the father of her child. According to court documents, she is prohibited from taking Leo out of California until the case is settled. Meaning should would have to go to New York without him. Something that she is unwilling to do.
“I am sadly unable to compete in this year’s US Open due to my ongoing family situation that I am working through,” Azarenka said on Monday.
“While I will dearly miss being in New York and playing in one of my favourite tournaments where I have enjoyed some of the best moments in my career, I am already looking forward to being back next year.”
Azarenka previously hoped that an agreement would be made for her to travel to New York with Leo. Discussing the legal battle for the first time in an open letter, Azarenka said she was ‘optimistic’ about the situation.
“I remain optimistic that in the coming days Leo’s father and I can put aside any differences and take steps in the right direction to more effectively work as a team and agree on an arrangement for all three of us to travel and for me to compete but, more importantly to ensure that Leo has a consistent presence from both of his parents.” She wrote.
Azarenka has only played two tournaments on the tour since returning from giving birth. At the Wimbledon championships, she reached the fourth round before losing to Simona Halep.
Replacing Azarenka in the US Open will be Japan’s Misa Eguchi, who will make her debut in a grand slam main draw at the age of 25. The tournament will get underway next Monday.
