Victoria Azarenka PULLS OUT of exhibition match supporting Ukraine after backlash from its players
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Belarusian tennis star Victoria Azarenka PULLS OUT of exhibition match in support of Ukraine… after criticism from players of the war-torn country and their refusal to play if she was involved
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Former world No. 1 Victoria will not play in the USTA’s Tennis Plays for Peace Exhibition on Wednesday evening.
The Belarusian received criticism from some of Ukraine’s tennis players, namely Marta Kostyuk, who rejected an invite to the fundraiser as a result of Azarenka’s involvement.
USTA announced in a statement that after ‘careful consideration and dialogue’ Azarenka would not be involved in proceedings.
‘In the last 24 hours, after careful consideration and dialogue with all parties involved, Victoria Azarenka will not be participating in our “Tennis Plays for Peace Exhibition” this evening,’ the statement read.
‘Vika is a strong player and leader and we appreciate her willingness to participate.
‘Given the sensitivities to Ukrainian players, and the on-going conflict, we believe this is the right course of action for us.’
Kostyuk, who has been a constant voice on the war in Ukraine, lashed out at the inclusion of the likes of Azarenka in the charity event.
‘Of course, I received an invitation. I think all our players got them,’ she said, via Tennisuptodate.
‘When Lesya Tsurenko and I found out – I’m only talking about us now, because we didn’t ask anyone – so when we found out that there would be representatives of Russia or Belarus at this event, I immediately said that I will not participate in this.’
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