Wimbledon 2023 Update: Victoria Azarenka Receives Booing from Crowd after Loss to Elina Svitolina
Victoria Azarenka faced a disappointing exit from Court One amid a chorus of boos following her defeat against Elina Svitolina at Wimbledon 2023. The tournament, being broadcasted on the BBC, is taking place at the All England Club from 3rd to 16th July, with extensive coverage across various platforms.
Following her thrilling loss to Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina, Belarusian player Victoria Azarenka expressed her disappointment at being booed off the court by Wimbledon fans. Svitolina has chosen not to shake hands with Russians or Belarusians since the conflict in Ukraine began. Although Azarenka respected Svitolina’s decision and did not insist on a handshake, it was Azarenka who faced jeering from the spectators as she departed Court One.
When asked by reporters about the situation, Azarenka questioned, “What should I have done? Stayed and waited?” She acknowledged Svitolina’s refusal to shake hands with Russian and Belarusian individuals and stated that she respected her decision.
Playing in front of a fervently supportive Wimbledon crowd, Svitolina, who received a wildcard entry, triumphed in an outstanding match, winning 2-6 6-4 7-6 (11-9) and securing a spot in the quarter-finals. As Svitolina sealed the victory with an ace on her first match point, Azarenka offered a respectful wave, but Svitolina did not respond.
As Azarenka walked off Court One, she was met with jeers from the spectators. The 33-year-old player paused, seemingly questioning the reason behind the negative reaction, and gestured to the crowd before disappearing.
Regarding the hostile response from the British audience towards Azarenka, Svitolina admitted that she couldn’t provide a definitive answer about her surprise. Last month at the French Open, Svitolina faced similar booing when she refrained from shaking hands with Belarusian player Aryna Sabalenka after a quarter-final loss.
Svitolina stated, “I feel like each player who doesn’t engage in a handshake gets booed,” adding that tennis organizations should release a statement clarifying the absence of handshakes between Russian, Belarusian, and Ukrainian players. She emphasized her stance, explaining that she will not shake hands until Russian troops withdraw from Ukraine and the country regains its territories.
The crowd’s reaction to Azarenka marked an extraordinary conclusion to an intense match, and the former world number one expressed hope that people would focus more on the quality of the tennis displayed. Azarenka remarked, “I thought it was a great match. If people are going to be focusing only on handshakes or the crowd, which was quite rowdy and booing in the end, that’s a shame.” She emphasized that tennis is just a sport, and players are merely doing their jobs without the ability to change lives.
In another captivating match, Iga Swiatek saved multiple match points, ensuring an exciting competition. For live scores, results, and the order of play, as well as coverage times on BBC TV, iPlayer, online, and radio, you can stay updated. Additionally, you can receive tennis news alerts on your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tennis controversy
Why was Victoria Azarenka booed off after her defeat by Elina Svitolina at Wimbledon 2023?
Belarusian player Victoria Azarenka was booed off the court because her opponent, Elina Svitolina, has chosen not to shake hands with Russians or Belarusians since the war in Ukraine began. Azarenka respected Svitolina’s decision and did not insist on a handshake, leading to the negative reaction from the crowd.
Did Elina Svitolina shake hands with Victoria Azarenka after the match?
No, Elina Svitolina did not shake hands with Victoria Azarenka after the match. Svitolina has been consistent in her stance of not shaking hands with Russian and Belarusian players due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Why did Elina Svitolina receive boos from the crowd at the French Open?
Elina Svitolina was booed at the French Open when she did not shake hands with Belarusian player Aryna Sabalenka after a quarter-final defeat. Svitolina’s decision not to engage in handshakes with Russian and Belarusian players due to the conflict in Ukraine has been a recurring source of controversy and negative reactions from the crowd.
What did Victoria Azarenka think of the crowd’s reaction?
Victoria Azarenka expressed her disappointment at being booed off by the crowd after her defeat. She believed that the focus should be on the quality of the match rather than the absence of handshakes or the crowd’s behavior.
How did Elina Svitolina respond to the hostile reaction from the British crowd?
Elina Svitolina stated that she couldn’t provide a definitive answer about her surprise at the crowd’s negative reaction towards Victoria Azarenka. She suggested that tennis organizations should issue a statement clarifying the absence of handshakes between Russian, Belarusian, and Ukrainian players, reiterating her stance on the matter and emphasizing the need for more clarity.
More about Tennis controversy
- Wimbledon Official Website: Link
- BBC Wimbledon Coverage: Link
- Victoria Azarenka Player Profile: Link
- Elina Svitolina Player Profile: Link
- Ukraine-Russia Conflict: Link
- French Open Official Website: Link
- Aryna Sabalenka Player Profile: Link
