Wimbledon disclaims responsibility for DRUNK crowd behavior in Victoria Azarenka-Elina Svitolina handshake controversy

The All-England Club has stated that it cannot control the crowd’s behavior in the aftermath of the booing episode involving Belarusian tennis player Victoria Azarenka. Azarenka claimed that she was aware that Elina Svitolina will not shake hands with her as it was already announced by her so she could not understand why the crowd took offense and booed at her. While she blames the raucous audience on excessive drinking, All England Club CEO Sally Bolton refuted the theory.

Bolton in response to the Belarussian stated that the authorities cannot control how the spectators behave during the match and this was actually surprising for everyone as Wimbledon has always seen a respectful crowd. She expressed confidence that the respectful attitude will last throughout the competition.

“We aren’t in a position where we can control the crowds here at Wimbledon. We traditionally have a hugely respectful crowd here and I expect that we will continue to see that as we head into the rest of the tournament,” she said.

Azarenka, caught aback by the crowd’s fervor, thought that alcohol usage, including the popular Wimbledon drink Pimm‘s, may have caused such a wild reaction. However, Bolton rejected this accusation, claiming that the All-England Club was not aware of the problem of drunk spectators.

Related: Elina Svitolina’s reaction to Victoria Azarenka’s booing in Wimbledon has Laura Robson puzzled

How is Wimbledon treating Russian-Belarussian players after a year’s ban?

The grass court has finally lifted the ban on Russian and Belarussian players after a year of constant opposition and being fined by the ATP and WTA. Being hesitant at first, the All-England Club conducted lengthy discussions and allowed the player on certain terms and conditions. Basically, the players have to sign a ‘neutrality form’ in order for them to play.

To be part of the Grand Slam, the players had to sign an agreement with the Club. It’s known as the ‘Neutrality Agreement’. The said agreement has majorly 3 conditions which are: –

• The players have to agree that they will not support their home countries and will have to play as ‘neutral’ players.
• The players will have to ensure that they will not receive any sort of fund or sponsorship from their home country
• In no way, any Belarussian or Russian player will use this platform as a way to align themselves and support their home country.

One of the fears raised last year was that Russian and Belarussian players would face domestic repercussions for publicly opposing the war. As a result, they will not be forced to express explicit criticism of their governments or the invasion. Meanwhile, the men’s ATP Tour, the Women’s Tennis Association, and the International Tennis Federation have enabled players to compete as neutral athletes around the world.

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