Victoria Azarenka calls ‘this’ WTA rival ‘a bit*h’ as Belarusian recalls her controversial antics

Victoria Azarenka said she would give it back to anyone if provoked as she opened up about an incident from the 2024 Qatar Open.

Victoria Azarenka calls ‘this’ WTA rival ‘a bit*h’ as Belarusian recalls her controversial antics

Victoria Azarenka (Image via X)

35-year-old Victoria Azarenka met Ostapenko in the fourth round in Doha and beat her 6-0, 6-3 to reach the quarterfinals. The Latvian is infamous for her on-court behavior but Azarenka had had enough of her.

With this win, Azarenka also improved her head-to-head record against the 27-year-old to 5-0. Azarenka recently reflected on her 2024 Qatar Open match against World No.26 Jelena Ostapenko

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After the conclusion of the match, Ostapenko, instead of offering the handshake to the Belarusian, rather outstretched her racket. Azarenko simply ignored her and approached the chair umpire for the customary handshake. The former World No.1 recalled that incident and said she’s ready to unleash her bad side if provoked.

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I can say it’s not my problem, it was her problem. I don’t know what she wanted me to do with the racket [tap] she gave me… she can put it in another place (laughs). I mean, who gives the racket in 2024? Somebody who acts like a bit*h, I will be a bit*h to them. I won’t start it [an argument], but if you want to play, let’s play.

Victoria Azarenka said on Daria Kasatkina’s ‘What the Vlog’ YouTube channel

After beating Ostapenko, Azarenka was pitted against then World No.1 Iga Swiatek in the quarterfinals. The five-time Grand Slam champion beat the two-time Grand Slam champion 6-4, 6-0, and went all the way to the final to lift the title with a straight-set win over Elena Rybakina.

Victoria Azarenka to participate at Indian Wells next

Following a trophy-less season on the tour last year, Victoria Azarenka arrived in Brisbane for the season’s first WTA 500 event. She didn’t have a successful campaign as Marie Bouzkova secured a straight-set win over her in the last 16.

Victoria Azarenka
Victoria Azarenka (Image via X)

Azarenka next participated at the Australian Open, the Grand Slam tournament she won twice in 2012 and 2013. But this time, Azarenka suffered a first-round exit as she fell to Lucia Bronzetti in straight sets.

The WTA 1000 Qatar Open was no different as Azarenka was defeated by eventual winner Amanda Anisimova in straight sets in her opening round. In the Dubai Open, Iga Swiatek knocked her out in the second round.

Azarenka is set to play at the Indian Wells Open next, the main draw of which is scheduled to start on March 5. The 35-year-old is a two-time Indian Wells champion, having won the WTA 1000 tournament in 2012 and 2016.