Victoria Azarenka supports Novak Djokovic while bashing journalists following the Russian flag incident at the Australian Open
Novak Djokovic gets the backing of Victoria Azarenka after his father was seen in Russian protests at the 2023 Australian Open.
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Srdjan Djokovic, Novak Djokovic and Victoria Azarenka
Victoria Azarenka’s campaign at the 2023 Australian Open came to an end in the semi-finals. Playing against reigning Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, Azarenka went down in straight-sets failing to reach her third Australian pen finals. Rybakina won the match 7-6(4), 6-3 to reach her maiden Australian Open final.
While Azarenka went out after a brilliant week, the focus continues to remain on her nationality and not her playing style. Hailing from Belarus, she is dodging questions every day regarding the ban on Russians and Belarusians due to the ongoing Ukraine War. While Azarenka and her compatriots remain banned from playing in the UK they are facing difficulties in other countries as well.
With a Russian demonstration taking place in Melbourne Park yesterday, things just got worse for Vika. Following her defeat to Rybakina, she was asked her views on Novak Djokovic’s father Srdjan being seen chanting Pro-Russian slogans at the demonstration yesterday. As expected, Azarenka gave a fitting reply.
“I don’t know what it has to do with Novak. Don’t know what you want us to do. These incidents have nothing to do with players, but you keep dragging players into it. What’s the goal here? You should ask yourself that question, not me,” said Azarenka speaking with the press.
Not the first time Victoria Azarenka came in Novak Djokovic’s defense this year
This wasn’t the first instance this year when Victoria Azarenka spoke in the defense of Novak Djokovic at the 2023 Australian Open. With the Serb accused of faking injuries with his hamstring trouble this year, Azarenka stood by Nole. She talked about her personal experience from years ago when she was also accused of the same thing.
Azarenka has faced the heat for being a Belarusian not only from the press but also from her Tour colleagues. Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk had refused to shake hands with her during a match last season and has been quite vocal in asking for a ban on Azarenka and her compatriots.
Following yesterday’s demonstration, Tennis Australia gave out a strict warning to the players and their families following Srdjan being seen with the protestors. While there was no legal action taken on Srdjan, the next few days will be crucial for the Djokovic family. With Nole set to go up against Tommy Paul, a 10th Australian Open title is on the line. So is his 22nd Grand Slam title that could tie him with Rafael Nadal.
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Don’t drag Novak Djokovic’s Dad Srdjan into the Russian flag controversy at the Australian Open
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Sarthak Shitole
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