The first grand slam of the tennis season, the Australian Open starts next Monday, but will do so without another former winner as two-time champion Victoria Azarenka has withdrawn as she continues a legal battle over the custody of her son. The Belarusian and former world number one had been granted a wildcard, but is unable to make use of it.

Azarenka returned from maternity leave in the middle of last year, but skipped the US Open after a Los Angeles judge presiding in a custody case over her son Leo ruled she could not leave California until the matter had been settled. Australia's Ajla Tomljanovic has instead been awarded the wildcard for the tournament. The Belarusian is the latest top name to withdraw from the Australian Open. Serena Williams, herself a new mother, opted out last week, saying she was still not at the level needed for a major tournament after giving birth. Andy Murray and Kei Nishikori are also non-starters as both are dealing with injuries.