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Victoria Azarenka made her first Australian Open appearance since 2016, though it ended in an opening-round defeat on Tuesday.

Azarenka beaten in first Australian Open match since 2016

Two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka's long-awaited return to Melbourne did not go according to plan after she was bundled out by Laura Siegemund.

Melbourne Park has been a happy hunting ground for former world number one Azarenka, who won back-to-back Australian Opens in 2012 and 2013.

The Belarusian star, however, missed the 2017 and 2018 tournaments amid a custody battle over her son.

But Azarenka made her first Australian Open appearance since 2016 on Tuesday, though it ended in a 6-7 (5-7) 6-4 6-2 opening-round defeat on Melbourne Arena.

When you realise you're into the 2R of the #AusOpen after def. two-time champion Victoria Azarenka 6-7(5) 6-4 6-2. pic.twitter.com/9PIMZfr8jf
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2019

Azarenka, who was broken in a decisive sixth game of the final set, hit 29 winners but 40 unforced errors as she exited the year's first grand slam after two hours, 42 minutes.

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