A controversial incident unfolded during the 2013 Australian Open semi-final match between Victoria Azarenka and Sloane Stephens. The Belarusian tennis star took two time-outs during a crucial period of the match that later became a contentious point for the tennis community. Azarenka was accused of disrupting the momentum of her American opponent, who has now come forward to disclose some details of her match, which was a “total situation.”

After more than 10 seasons, Stephens opened up about how she had ‘a crazy beef’ for a long time with her Belarusian colleague. During an honest conversation, the former Grand Slam champion also labeled Azarenka as the first-ever pro player who gave her an opportunity to ‘hit with them.’

Sloane Stephens recalls her controversial Australian Open match against Victoria Azarenka

The official Twitter page of the Australian Open recently brought to light a video clip of the ‘Cinema Sessions with Sloane Stephens’ episode. The American tennis star was also shown a clip of her 2013 Australian Open match against Victoria Azarenka as she shared her thoughts on the controversial incident.

She said, “Oh, this match was a situation; it was a total situation. We had a crazy beef for a long time, like a long time. Since resolved. What’s so crazy is that first-ever professional player that like gave me a chance and opportunity to hit with them was Vika. I was like 15 and they had  me come up to Saddlebrook, and I practiced with her for two days and it was like the best experience ever.”

During the episode, Stephens was also reminded of the 2-time singles Grand Slam champion’s big fightback in the second set when she took that medical that later attracted a lot of controversies.  Shedding light on the incident in Melbourne, the American player said, “Yes, it was drama; it was so drama. I think she won this tournament, right? Yeah exactly.”

Top Stories

Aryna Sabalenka Breaks Silence on Nationality Switch After Belarus Representation Ban

ATP Answers Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz’s Outcry With Major Scheduling Overhaul

Serena Williams Drops Cryptic Message on Comeback After Billie Jean King Gives Bold Verdict

Aryna Sabalenka Finally Addresses Her Infamous Grunt After Brutal Reality Check

Venus Williams Follows in Serena’s Footsteps as She Secures Prestigious 2026 Met Gala Role

READ MORE- Tennis Beauty Paula Badosa’s Bold and Courageous Photo Sparks Sizzling Reactions From Boyfriend, Coco Gauff, and Aryna Sabalenka

Though their feud has been resolved, it took Azarenka “10 f—— years to get over” that incident with her American opponent, as she previously opened up about how she felt like a ‘villain’ in the eyes of the crowd. In a post-match press conference, Azarenka said, “It took me 10 f—— years to get over it. I finally am over that. I’ve been called that I’m cheating, that I’m faking, that I was trying to throw people off their game.”

What do you think of the controversial incident during the matchup between Sloane Stephens and Victoria Azarenka at the 2013 Australian Open? Let us know in the comments section.

WATCH THIS STORY | Serena Williams pays tribute to Roger Federer.