09 July 2023 , 20:19
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Victoria Azarenka was booed off the court after losing against Ukrainian Elina Svitolina in the fourth round of Wimbledon.
The Belarusian had to play as a neutral athlete due to her country's involvement in the Russian invasion. She won the first set but then lost in a third set tiebreaker to Svitolina, who had the bulk of the crowd behind her as she collapsed to the ground following her emotional win.
Azarenka knew no handshake was coming and immediately left Court 1 but was booed by sections of the crowd. She turned round and shook her head, seemingly in disbelief, before making a gesture by banging her fists together, perhaps suggesting her hands were tied.
The two-time Grand Slam champion has previously condemned the war and the leader of Belarus, stating: “I don’t support war, which means I don’t support (Alexander) Lukashenko right now.” Nevertheless the tension that exists as a result of the invasion in Ukraine has heightened emotions.
Svitolina wasn't quizzed on the boos following the match but did underline her happiness having been beaten by Azarenka's compatriot, Aryna Sabalenka, at the French Open several weeks ago.
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Victoria Azarenka was booed off Court 1 (BBC)She said: "I think after giving birth to our daughter this is the second happiest moment in my life. When I was down in the second set I heard you guys cheering for me and I almost wanted to cry.
"It was really tough for me because I wasn't playing my best, I was really struggling but I really wanted to win today. You guys gave me so much strength today. You were really unbelievable."
The Belarus athlete made a gesture as she walked off (BBC)The Ukrainian will now face top seed Iga Swiatek in the last eight and added: "Really unbelievable. In January when I started playing again I didn't think that I would be here. I didn't think on the grass I would play that good. I'm just really enjoying the atmosphere, this chance. I'm really thankful for the chance to play here."
Before her match against Azarenka, Svitolina has made it clear that the war in her homeland was acting as a massive motivator. "I'm playing for my country every single match that I play and this one will be even more special," she said.
"A lot of Ukrainians will be watching, will be supporting me. I will go out there and put the fighting spirit on and just really fight for every single point. I just try to take it as a big motivation."