The ASB Classic looks set to confirm a former world number one for the women's tennis tournament this summer, although the final confirmation will depend on a court ruling in California.
1 NEWS understands Victoria Azarenka is poised to sign on to make her comeback in Auckland in January, but she's awaiting a court decision as she battles for custody of her young son, and the ability to travel with him on the tennis circuit.
Azarenka and her former partner have been locked in a court case in the US for the past four months.
She hasn’t been able to leave California with her son Leo since the hearing started.
The two-time Grand Slam champion last played at Wimbledon in August and if Azarenka's coming to New Zealand, she could be based here for at least a few weeks, training in Auckland around Christmas.
The 28-year old Belarussian won the first of her two Australian open titles in 2012, when she also rocketed to world number one.
Organisers are expected to confirm more details tomorrow.
The newly wed Serena Williams is also still considering an offer to return to Auckland.
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