‘It’s Heartbreaking’ – Victoria Azarenka Recalls the Time of Friendly Relations Between Belarus and Ukraine Amid the Ongoing Havoc

Just like the millions of people involved directly or indirectly, Belarusian player Victoria Azarenka is also highly disturbed by the currently going on Ukraine-Russia crisis. Yesterday, 2nd March, the former World No. 1 took to her social media accounts, composing and putting up her thoughts through a post.

After facing an opening-round loss in Dubai, Azarenka next played at the 2022 WTA 1000 Qatar TotalEnergies Open (Qatar Open).  However, the stars didn’t seem to be in line for the Belarusian player. As she was forced to retire prior to the second-round match citing hip pain. Recovering from the injury, she is expected to make a comeback at the ‘Sunshine Doubles’.

Azarenka’s message on the Ukraine-Russia crisis

Azarenka was born in Minsk, Belarus. Seeing her neighboring countries go against each other has been a disturbing sight for the player. Yesterday, talking to her social media handles, Azarenka expressed her concern on the matter, calling the whole sight heartbreaking. “I am devasted by the actions that have taken place over the last several days against and in Ukraine. It’s heartbreaking to see how many innocent people have been affected and continue to be affected by such violence.”

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She further spoke about the warm and loving relations between the Belarusian, Ukrainian, and Russian people before this unfortunate scenario. While expressing her grief, she asserted that it is difficult for her to see such violent separation between the two countries.

She ended the message by showing support for the people affected, directly or indirectly, by war and appealing for an end to the war.“My heart is with everyone directly and indirectly impacted by this war that is causing such pain and suffering for so many. I hope and wish for peace and an end to the war.”

Victoria Azarenka on the court

On the tennis front, Victoria Azarenka opened her 2022 season at the WTA 500 Adelaide International 1. Winning the first two rounds with ease, Azarenka reached the quarterfinals. However, after a hard-fought battle, she was pushed out by the 5th seeded Iga Swiatek in three sets.

Hoping to repeat the history, the two-time Australian Open champion entered the opening slam of the year as the 24th seed. Even though she comfortably sailed through the first three rounds, the 32-year-old player was stunned in the fourth round. The Australian Open loss was followed by a first-round loss in Dubai. Even though she passed the first-round test in Qatar. However, she was forced to withdraw prior to her second-round match citing hip pain.

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Recovering from the injury, Azarenka is eyeing a comeback at the WTA 100 BNP Paribas Open (Indian Wells), where she will fight for her third title.