Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, February 9, 2021 Belarus’ Victoria Azarenka reacts during her first round match against Jessica Pegula of the U.S. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, February 9, 2021 Belarus’ Victoria Azarenka reacts during her first round match against Jessica Pegula of the U.S. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
The Eastern European has had an impact on all aspects of life, including sports. Take the example of tennis. Earlier this year, Wimbledon banned Russian and Belarusian from participating in the tournament. As a result, it hugely affected the likes of Victoria Azarenka and Daniil Medvedev.
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Further, players have used sporting platforms to voice their support for Ukraine. Ukrainian tennis players like Elina Svitolina and Marta Kostyuk have been at the forefront of this. Recently, an incident occurred at the ongoing US Open involving Kostyuk.
Victoria Azarenka reacts to Marta Kostyuk’s actions
Azarenka and Kostyuk were up against each other in the second round of the US Open. After their match, the Ukrainian star refused to shake hands with Azarenka which surprised one and all.
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 12, 2022; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Victoria Azarenka (BEL) hits a shot as she defeats Astra Sharma (AUS) in her 2nd round match at the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
After the match, Azarenka reacted to Kostyuk refusing to shake hands with her. During the post-match press conference, Azarenka said, “She has my number and all others as well. I don’t play political or media games. That’s not what I’m here for. I’m a direct person. Twitter isn’t a place for discussion, it’s face to face.”
Vika on her role in the player council and her thoughts on Kostyuk in general
"She has my number and all others as well. I don't play political or media games. That's not what I'm here for. I'm a direct person. Twitter isn't a place for discussion, it's face to face." pic.twitter.com/Q5vqNCns2l
— Jay (@theoverrule) September 1, 2022
Further, Azarenka dominated the match against her Ukrainian opponent right from the word go. She won the first set convincingly 6-2. Subsequently, riding on the momentum, she took the second set 6-3 to enter the next round.
Azarenka to also play mixed doubles at the 2022 US Open
Later today, Azarenka will open her campaign in mixed doubles at the US Open. She will partner with Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis. The latter had earlier won the men’s doubles title at the Australian Open with Nick Kyrgios.
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Azarenka and Kokkinakis will open their campaign against Caty McNally and William Blumberg. Further, on the singles front, Azarenka will take on Petra Martic of Croatia.
Azarenka has reached the US Open finals thrice. However, on all three occasions, she has tasted defeat. The former World Number 1 will look to win her maiden US Open title this year as she marches on in Flushing Meadows.
