Azarenka absent

Azarenka's continuing custody dispute has prevented the two-time Australian Open champion from resuming her career at the ASB Classic in Auckland from Jan 1.

Azarenka notified tournament organizers on Sunday that she will be unable to play for "personal reasons".

The 28-year-old former world No 1 has been out of action since July because she cannot leave California until a dispute with her former partner over the custody of their son, Leo, is resolved.

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."

Azarenka has been given a wild card into the Australian Open which begins on Jan 15.

"It's been a tough year and being able to come back to the Australian Open will be a really positive way to start 2018," she said.

Agence France - presse