In pictures: Victoria Azarenka continues her love affair with PSG, dons a Kylian Mbappe jersey during Indian Wells 2023 practice session
Victoria Azarenka was spotted wearing a Kylian Mbappe jersey during her practice session ahead of the 2023 Indian Wells Open. The Belarusian tennis player had earlier expressed her admiration for the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star player, when he scored a late winner against Strasbourg in a Ligue 1 match.
Azarenka, a former World No. 1, has been a passionate football fan for many years. She eagerly follows the major football events happening around the world.
Taking to Instagram on Monday, Azarenka shared a series of pictures of herself donning an Mbappe shirt at Indian Wells.
Azarenka's son is an avid PSG fan as well. The 33-year-old has gone on record saying that she chooses to wear the PSG jersey to show her support for his favorite team -- which happens to be her favorite club as well.
Azarenka was repeatedly spotted entering the court before her matches at the Australian Open sporting the jersey of the Parisian giants.
Prior to Indian Wells, Azarenka will be taking part in the 'Desert Smash,' a celebrity charity event that is set to take place on Tuesday, March 7th. This annual event, which is now in its 19th year, will be held at the La Quinta Resort & Club, located near Indian Wells in the United States.
The event will showcase a mix of amateur players, touring pros, and celebrities in an exhibition match, with all proceeds going towards charitable causes.
"You really should mind your business" - Victoria Azarenka on her dislike of players being constantly quizzed about their retirement
After securing a first-round win at the recently concluded Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships, Victoria Azarenka voiced her discontent with the incessant inquiries regarding players' retirement plans.
The tennis star believes the media's fixation with the topic detracts from the focus of the game itself. She called it a futile exercise and stated that if any player is considering retirement, they will make it known to the public.
"It's like let's not waste this time before everybody retires to talk about retirement. People will let you guys know when it's time, and that's kind of it," she said at one of her post-match press conferences.
"You know, mind your business in a way. Like you really should mind your business. When it's ready, everybody's going to announce it one way or the other, and there's going to be a parade for some, maybe some not. Maybe some just say bye and you never see them again. Whatever choice it is, just leave it up to people. That's my opinion," Victoria Azarenka added.
At the 2023 Indian Wells Open, Azarenka, seeding 14th, has received a bye in the first round. She will take on either Yulia Putintseva or Karolina Muchova in the second round.