09 July 2023 , 22:14
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Victoria Azarenka blasted the boos she faced as "very unfair" after her Wimbledon exit on Sunday.
The Belarus star, who had to operate as a neutral athlete whilst at SW19, took on Ukrainian Elina Svitolina in the last 16 and was undone in three sets as she lost a final set tiebreak. Svitolina rejoiced in her emotional victory but Azarenka was booed as she left Court 1.
The two-time Grand Slam winner appeared surprised as she faced the jeers and banged her fists together in a reactive gesture as she made her way from the court. Azarenka has condemned her country's involvement in Russia's invasion in Ukraine and respected Svitolina's decision not to shake hands, so was frustrated by the crowd's response to her heading straight off the court.
The Belarusian said: "I think it was very unfair. I think people are picking on things and making a big story out of it. I've always had a good relationship with her but these circumstances, it is what it is. I can't control the crowd, I think there's been a lot of drinking throughout the day but what can I do?
"I've not done anything wrong but I get this treatment, she doesn't want to shake hands with Russian or Belarusian people and I respect that decision. I just did what I thought was respectful for her decision and left the court. It was a great tennis match and people shouldn't be focused on a drunk crowd."
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Svitolina called for the tennis authorities to put out a statement stating that Ukraine players would not shake hands with those from Russia or Belarus as she suggested some fans may be unaware about the situation.
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"I feel like each player that loses, and there is no handshake, is getting booed," she said. "I think the tennis organisations have to come out with a statement that there will be no handshake between Russian/Belarusian and Ukrainian players. I don't know if it's maybe unclear for people.
"I already said multiple times that until Russian troops are out of Ukraine and we take back our territories, not going to shake hands. I have clear statement. I don't know how more clear I can be."
Both women have had children and returned to the tour with Svitolina confessing that her victory was her second best moment since giving birth. She added: "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."