Victoria Azarenka has been forced to withdraw from this year’s U.S. Open due to an ongoing custody battle. The two-time major champion and two-time U.S. Open runner-up gave birth to her son Leo late last year and returned to the tour with him in tow this summer. But personal matters have caused chaos for Azarenka, who split with Leo’s father, Billy McKeague, after Wimbledon an is not allowed to leave the state of California with her child while the custody case is not resolved.
She released a statement to fans last week to inform the public of the situation but did not officially withdraw at that time.
"Shortly after Wimbledon, Leo's father and I separated and as we work to resolve some of the legal processes, the way things stand now is the only way I can play in the US Open this year is if I leave Leo behind in California, which I'm not willing to do," she wrote.
On Monday, the U.S. Open released the following statement from Azarenka.
"I am sadly unable to compete in this year's US Open due to my ongoing family situation that I am working through. While I will dearly miss being in New York and playing in one of my favorite tournaments where I have enjoyed some of the best moments in my career, I am already looking forward to being back next year."
Misa Eguchi, of Japan, moves into the main draw as a result of Azarenka’s departure.