In a development that has sent ripples through the tennis world, a two-time Australian Open champion will not compete at the 2026 Australian Open, marking the first time in six years that the former champion will be absent from the season’s first Grand Slam.
The news — first reported by The Tennis Gazette — confirms that Victoria Azarenka, a former world No. 1 and two-time Melbourne Park winner, will miss the 2026 tournament. This ends a streak of consistent appearances at the Australian Open dating back well over half a decade.
Azarenka’s absence is a considerable blow to the women’s draw and a storyline fans didn’t expect heading into the new year. Known for her ferocious baseline game and fighting spirit, Azarenka captured the Australian Open title twice (2012 and 2013) and has long been a crowd favourite in Melbourne.
Sources suggest that ongoing struggles with form and fitness — issues that have dogged the Belarusian star in recent seasons — are behind her decision to skip the tournament, although no official statement from Azarenka has yet been released. Experts speculate that the prolonged absence from the Grand Slam could open opportunities for rising stars and other major contenders at the 2026 event.
Tennis fans worldwide will now be watching closely as the Australian Open line-ups and draws are finalized in the coming weeks, with anticipation building around who might step up in Melbourne in Azarenka’s absences.
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