Two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka has become the latest star to pull out of the first Grand Slam of the year.

The 28-year-old won in Melbourne in 2012 and 2013, but is “unable to travel to Australia this year,” organisers said.

She has previously missed tournaments owing to an ongoing child custody battle.

Azarenka, currently ranked 210 in the world, had been given a wild card entry into the tournament, which begins on January 15.

Last week, reigning ladies singles champion Serena Williams said she would not play in Melbourne.

The former world number one said she was “super close” to being tournament-ready, but reluctantly withdrew from the competition.

It was due to be her first Grand Slam since giving birth to daughter Alexis Olympia in September.

Ironically, she won the 2017 Australian Open whilst she was pregnant with her daughter, so it would have been fitting to see her return in that same competition.

However, that will not be happening anymore, and the tournament will also be without Azarenka.

In terms of the men's draw, the likes of Andy Murray and Kei Nishikori will miss out Down Under, whilst Svetlana Kuznetsova has also withdrawn from the tournament.

With Williams unable to defend her title this year, there will be a new winner of the Australian Open, but with Roger Federer still going strong on the men's circuit, he will look to retain the title he won 12 months ago.