Victoria Azarenka to miss Tennis Plays for Peace exhibition due to ‘sensitivities’ - USTA
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ByEurosport
Updated 24/08/2022 at 18:53 GMT
The United States Tennis Association have announced Belarusian player Victoria Azarenka will not participate in ‘Tennis Plays for Peace Exhibition’ at the US Open. The initiative aims to support humanitarian relief efforts for the war in Ukraine. Rafael Nadal, Iga Swiatek and John McEnroe – amongst others - will play in the event.
Victoria Azarenka warms up
Image credit: Getty Images
Belarusian player Victoria Azarenka will not play in the ‘Tennis Plays for Peace Exhibition’ at the US Open, the United States Tennis Association have announced.
‘Tennis Plays for Peace’ is an “initiative to bring the tennis community and fans together to support the humanitarian relief efforts for the war in Ukraine”, says its website.
The initiative was set to begin on Wednesday with Rafael Nadal, Iga Swiatek and John McEnroe amongst others – including Azarenka - and will be a tournament-long initiative thereafter.
The Guardian reported that some players were unhappy that they were not consulted regarding the inclusion of Azarenka in the event.
Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko is an ally of Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin.
And the United States Tennis Association announced on Wednesday that after consultation with all parties that Azarenka would not participate.
“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,” read a statement from USTA.
“Vika is a strong player 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.”
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