Former world No.1 Victoria Azarenka has been granted a wildcard for the upcoming BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.
The two-time Australian Open champion hasn’t played on the tour since July due to a legal dispute. Azarenka is engaged in a custody battle with her former partner, Billy McKeague, concerning their son. In the latest development, a ruling has said that the case should be held in Azarenka’s home country of Belarus and not in the US. Although there are no signs of the case ending soon.
As the dispute continues, Azarenka is nearing her return to the tour. The 28-year-old is a two-time winner of the prestigious Indian Wells tournament. Claiming the titles in 2012 and 2017. This year will be her 11th appearance in the draw.
“I have always loved playing at Indian Wells, and I could not be more thrilled to be returning to the desert this March to compete for my third event title,” Azarenka said in a statement. “Having won here twice, this tournament holds a special place in my heart and I look forward to playing in front of some of the best tennis fans in the world at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in just a few weeks.”
In recent weeks the Belarusian has hired a new coach to her team after ending her collaboration with Michael Joyce. Slava Konikov, who worked with the Sacramento State’s men’s tennis team for the past ten years, has been appointed. Konikov previously worked with Azarenka during her junior career between 1998-2002.
“We couldn’t be more excited that two-time champion and fan favorite Victoria Azarenka will be returning to Indian Wells this year,” said Tournament Director Tommy Haas.
“We look forward to welcoming her back to the desert as she eyes a record third title at the BNP Paribas Open. The addition of Azarenka to an incredibly deep player field on the women’s side promises to provide some exceptional tennis action for our fans.”
Azarenka returned to the tour last year after giving birth to her first child. She only managed to play in two tournaments before the legal battle with McKeague started. She reached the second round at the Mallorca Open followed by a fourth round appearance at Wimbledon.
The BNP Paribas Open, which is classed as a Premier Mandatory event, will get underway on March 5th.
