Two-time grand slam champion Victoria Azarenka remained calm after being asked a “poor” question about Russia at her post-match press conference at Wimbledon on Monday.
Azarenka, who is from Belarus, made her return to Wimbledon for the first time in two years, following last year’s ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes by the All England Club due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, defeating China’s Yuan Yeu 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 in the opening round.
The former Soviet republic, Belarus, declared its independence in the early 1990s, however, continued its diplomatic partnership with Russia, with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s support of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion being condemned by a large portion of the international community.
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Subsequently, athletes from both nations were barred from competing on a global stage, with Wimbledon becoming the first and only grand slam to prohibit the athletes from competing in 2022.
However, this year’s grand slam has allowed Belarusian and Russian athletes to return to British soil, on the condition that they play under a neutral flag and agree to the terms and conditions created by the event organisers.
This included a mandatory signing of the Club’s declaration, confirming the athlete would not declare support for or accept funds from either nation’s government.
Speaking to the press after her win, Azarenka suspected a journalist had confused her nationality, as the journalist asked the star about the influence Wimbledon plays in Russian culture.
Watch Wimbledon 2023 live and free on 9now. Alternatively, you can stream every match live, ad-free and on demand on Stan Sport, with centre court in 4K UHD.
“You do know I’m not Russian, right,” Azarenka replied, prompting the reporter to clarify: “Just in terms of internationally, how do you see Wimbledon’s culture and how big a tournament you see it as, internationally? You have obviously played in Russia in the past. How significant do you feel the tournament is?”
“OK, so let me just clarify. You’re asking me how big do I feel that Wimbledon is on the international stage? Or what it means to me?” Azarenka asked.
The journalist replied: “I actually meant on the international stage and just being on tour. It’s just a question we were asking around its impact in Russia. This is the first time that Russian players are allowed here, this year.”
“Okay. I will answer the part about the international view of Wimbledon, (though) I don’t know if I’m an expert to give you a proper opinion,” Azarenka said.
“It’s a poor question, sorry,” the reporter said.
“Yes it is, but I’ll still answer it,” said the former world No.1.
“I think on the international stage, Wimbledon is undoubtedly one of the biggest tennis events, and it’s always been. So it’s iconic. It is iconic.
“How it is in Russia? I’m not from Russia. So, I can’t really tell you how it feels in Russia.”
Azarenka’s incredible juggling act
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, athletes from Belarus and Russia have noted they have received a different reception from peers and fans both on and off the court. However, Azarenka confirmed the difference had not yet occurred at Wimbledon, claiming the “people (here) are very nice.”
“I feel like there is an online part of it, and there is the aura, and for me personally, I experienced very good treatment,” said Azarenka.
“There are of course some incidents sometimes, but I felt like I was very welcomed. I have been very supported everywhere. And I really appreciate that.
“Today, to hear people say, ‘Let’s go Vika,” and cheering me on, was also why I play, to play in front of the crowd, to put on a good show. So that felt great.”
Azarenka will continue her grand slam campaign, competing against Argentina’s Nadia Podoroska in round two. That match is scheduled to start at around 1.30am (AEST) on Thursday.
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