“Apologetic” Victoria Azarenka breaks down in her recent match against Elena Rybakina at Indian Wells over a shocking reason
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Victoria Azarenka
Victoria Azarenka expressed her thoughts over the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and called for a plea between the two nations, who are now entering into the second week of the war. She was one of the players affected but the sanctions imposed on Russia and its ally, Belarus.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine had affected people all over the world. With Russia showing no signs of backing out from the war, numerous sanctions have been imposed on them in an attempt to isolate them and force them for a ceasefire.
Azarenka breaks down during defeat
Victoria Azarenka was overcome with emotion during her Indian Wells defeat to Elena Rybakina as she broke down in tears midway through her match. Rybakina defeated the Belarusian star 6-3, 6-4 to reach the third round of the Masters Series tournament but Azarenka’s tears caused quite the stir on social media.
At 2-2, 40-40 in the second set, Azarenka hit a double fault and started to cry, prompting the umpire to come to check on her. “Do you need help?” the umpire asked to which Azarenka only replied, three times: “I’m sorry” three times.
The world No.15 eventually found her composure but failed to find her rhythm in the latter stages of the match and was ultimately dumped out of the tournament. It’s unclear if Azarenka’s tears were brought on by physical pain – her shoulder was heavily strapped – or whether she was suffering mentally.
The former world No.1 is competing under a neutral flag this week following the International Tennis Federation’s decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from wearing their colors amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Earlier this month, Azarenka posted a powerful message on Twitter condemning the ongoing conflict and calling for the war to end.
“I’m devastated by the actions that have taken place over the last several days against and in Ukraine,” Azarenka had said.
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