CINCINNATI, OH, USA - 2013 champion Victoria Azarenka has been handed a wildcard for this year's Western and Southern Open.
The former World No.1 will compete at the tournament for the first time since 2016, when she gave birth to her son Leo.
The Belarusian is enjoying her 2018 so far, reaching the semifinals of the Miami Open and finishing as runner-up in the Wimbledon mixed doubles alongside Jamie Murray.
Azarenka beat Serena Williams 2-6, 6-2, 7-6 (8-6) in a hard-fought 2013 Cincinnati final.
“The resumes for Vika and [fellow wildcard for the men's tournament] Andy [Murray] really speak for themselves,” said Tournament Director Andre Silva. “I think many tennis fans are eager to see each of them back on the court, and we are pleased to offer them both wild cards to play the Western & Southern Open.”
World No.1 Simona Halep, new Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber, and Australian Open titlist Caroline Wozniacki had all already been announced for the field, along with Serena, and Maria Sharapova.
