Victoria Azarenka shuts down a journalist for calling her a Russian following her round one win at Wimbledon 2023

Azarenka acknowledges Wimbledon's iconic status on the international stage.

Victoria Azarenka shuts down a journalist for calling her a Russian following her round one win at Wimbledon 2023

Victoria Azarenka (Image Credits: The Indian Express)

During the post-match conference at Wimbledon, former World No. 1 Victoria Azarenka found herself in an awkward position when asked about the tournament’s cultural impact, particularly in Russia. The query seemed to imply that Azarenka, who is from Belarus, knew what part it plays in the Russian culture.

Upon hearing the question, Azarenka swiftly corrected the journalist, stating, “You do know I’m not from Russia, right?” The journalist pressed her further to seek a response which included Russia, but she clearly seemed irritated by it. The journalist failed to provide a coherent explanation, adding to her irritation. “You’ll have to spill it a little more directly to me,” she replied. “I’m not sure I understand the question.” Recognizing the need for clarity, the journalist rephrased the query, questioning about Wimbledon’s cultural effect and international relevance.

https://youtu.be/jkyLJV282O4

Azarenka got more confused and demanded clarity as to what part of the question she was supposed to answer.  After receiving the necessary clarification, she proceeded to answer the question with a degree of skepticism, “Okay, so let me just clarify. You’re asking me how big do I feel that Wimbledon is on the international stage?” Eventually the journalist apologized stating that it was a poor question to which Azarenka replied, “Yes it is.”

The Belarusian tennis player then acknowledged Wimbledon‘s standing as one of the world’s most important tennis competitions, emphasizing its historical significance, saying, “It’s the oldest tournament in history. As a result, it has become iconic. It’s well-known.” Azarenka made it clear that she could not provide an accurate assessment, stating, “How it is in Russia, I’m not from Russia, I can’t really tell you how it feels in Russia.“

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Victoria Azarenka secures victory against Yue Yuan and progress to second round

Victoria Azarenka, Yue Yuan
Victoria Azarenka, Yue Yuan (Credits:- Steve G Tennis and Xinhua)

Victoria Azarenka of Belarus, seeded 19th in the event, demonstrated her strength and skill in a hard-fought victory over Chinese qualifier Yue Yuan. The suspenseful encounter lasted three sets, with Azarenka eventually emerging victorious with a final score of 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, ensuring her place in the tournament’s second round.

The match emphasised Azarenka’s tenacity and dedication as she defeated a difficult opponent and demonstrated her prowess on Wimbledon’s famous grass courts. She is set to face Argentine Nadia Podoroska in the second round of the tournament.

Azarenka is making a comeback after an year at the grass court as Russian and Belarussian players were banned from The All England Club last year due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. She expressed her delight at the support she got from the crowd in London. As the Russian and Belarussian players are returning they will play as ‘neutral’ in the tournament and will be subjected to some restrictions, one of them being not receiving any sponsorship from companies based in Russia and Belarus.  

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