Talking to the press after her loss in the semifinals of the 2023 Australian Open, Victoria Azarenka was annoyed by journalists asking her about the tensions related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The two-time champion in Melbourne said “you keep dragging players into it.”
As a person coming from Belarus, Azarenka played the Australian Open under neutral flag, given that her country is considered a Russian ally in the war against Ukraine. Asked whether the situation is affecting her, the former world No.1 responded that journalists are those constantly bringing up the topic and creating tension.
JOURNALIST: There’s been a lot of scrutiny about a lot of the Russian and Belarusian players here. I’m sure that even if you weren’t looking at social you would’ve seen there was an incident with Novak’s dad last night. Is it difficult for you when you go out there to put all those things out of your mind as well? Do you think there are other players who get impacted by it?
VIKA: Hm… other players get impacted by… what exactly are you asking me?
JOURNALIST: Distractions out of their hands and the constant sort of news and talk.
VIKA: News are coming from who?
JOURNALIST: Well, from everyone. Social media….
