Victoria Azarenka refuses to introspect into the Madrid Open speech proceedings until some ‘strong’ decisions are made

Two-time Madrid Open champion Victoria Azarenka discusses the controversy surrounding the tournament's speech proceedings, and calls for action before engaging in self-reflection

Victoria Azarenka refuses to introspect into the Madrid Open speech proceedings until some ‘strong’ decisions are made

Victoria Azarenka (Image via Times of India)

Victoria Azarenka did an interview with the Tennis Channel after her second-round win. The tennis professional was presented with questions about the Madrid Doubles Finals. She also talked about her son, Leo. Victoria Azarenka and Beatriz Haddad won the women’s double at the Madrid Open 2023.

As expected, Victoria Azarenka started off the Italian Open with a bang and defeated Sloane Stephens in her opening match with a score of 6-4, 6-3. During the interview, Victoria Azarenka said,” I was quite nervous before the match. I feel like I did not have enough sets under my belt”.

The interviewer later asked Victoria Azarenka about the awkward award ceremony at the Madrid Open after the women’s doubles final. He asked Victoria Azarenka to share a bit of information about the incident as she was present during the incident. Victoria Azarenka played it safe by opting not to speak too much. She said,” “I wouldn’t share too much like of what happened until there are some decisions made. But I will tell you one thing, that we found out on the court, right away after the match, there will be no speeches.

Victoria also talked about feeling bad about the communications person who informed them. Victoria Azarenka recalled him being extremely awkward and almost crying, but she know that it was not in his hands. “It was a big mistake. It was terrible. But, yeah, it is hopefully something. That a bad situation can turn into a good one, hopefully.” said Victoria Azarenka

Victoria proceeded to talk about her son, Leo. She said, ”I was speaking to Leo on Facetime and he said Mom, did you say hello to me on tv? And I say I didn’t really say it today. How about next time? And he goes ok.”. Victoria Azarenka later said stated the conversation about saying “ciao Leo” because she was in Italy and talked about her son’s interest in sports.

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Madrid Open’s apology  for shunning Victoria Azarenka, Beatriz Haddad Maia, Jessica Pegula, and Coco Gauff

Victoria Azarenka
Victoria Azarenka (Image via The Gurdian)

Madrid Open organizers came under a lot of pressure and were blamed for being sexist and misogynistic. They did not allow the women’s doubles finalists to deliver their customary speeches after their match. Madrid Open CEO Gerard Tsobanian has spoken about the issue publicly for the first time. His Twitter post read: “We sincerely apologize to all players and fans who expect more of the Mutua Madrid Open tournament. Not giving our women’s doubles finalists the chance to address their fans at the end of the match was unacceptable,”

It was revealed that the organizers personally apologized to the finalists, Victoria Azarenka, Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff, and Beatriz Haddad Maia. It was also mentioned that the Madrid Open is working with the Women’s Tennis Association to make sure that something like this does not ever reoccur in the future.

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