"Some journalists don't even try" - Victoria Azarenka being questioned about Russia at Wimbledon press conference leaves tennis fans disgusted
Tennis fans have expressed their disappointment at Victoria Azarenka being asked an awkward question by a journalist at the 2023 Wimbledon Championships.
After missing out on the prestigious Slam last season owing to the authorities placing a ban on Belarusian and Russian players as a consequence of the Russia-Ukraine war, Azarenka has returned to the grass courts in hopes of delivering a strong result. The 33-year-old said she felt no animosity from the crowd during her first match on Monday.
However, Victoria Azarenka caught the attention of fans after a controversial press conference incident. The Belarusian was asked what Wimbledon means to Russia and the role it plays in culture by a journalist.
The question, although political, was deemed irrelevant due to Azarenka's Belarusian nationality. After the poor question was quickly shut down by Azarenka, tennis fans poured in with their reactions on Twitter.
Q. What does Wimbledon mean to Russia? Is it big over there? Just in terms of the part it plays in culture.
VICTORIA AZARENKA: You do know I'm not from Russia, right?
LOL
One fan mocked media representatives and compared people's unachievable dreams with what journalists bring to the table.
"If you ever think you can’t go after your dreams kids, just remember these people make it into the media room at Wimbledon."
if you ever think you can’t go after your dreams kids, just remember these people make it into the media room at Wimbledon twitter.com/adamaddicott/s…
Another fan pointed out how some journalists don't try hard enough.
@AdamAddicott Some of these journalists really don't even try
Here are some more reactions from tennis fans:
questions@AdamAddicott journalists asking very lame 😒 questions
@AdamAddicott They let any Tom Dick & Harry in
@AdamAddicott Damn!!! Who asks this fu**cking questions
🤯@AdamAddicott Those “journalists” should be banned from attending press conferences 👀😬🤯
@AdamAddicott 😂😂😂 no homework done by that journo
@AdamAddicott I would love to see Vika’s reaction when this question was asked. 😂
@AdamAddicott @onefaithgirl They have all been sent a memo to provoke players to speak against Russia.
Victoria Azarenka moves to Wimbledon second-round
Former World No. 1 Victoria Azarenka has overcome her first-round challenge and successfully advanced into Wimbledon's second round. The Belarusian got the better of Yuan Yue in the event's starting round, wrapping up the match with a scoreline of 6-4, 5-7, 6-4.
Following her victory, Azarenka opened up about her experience and expressed her delight at returning to the prestigious grounds of the All-England Club.
“Just like I never left, honestly. It feels good to be playing here. I felt like I was very welcomed everywhere. I have been very supported everywhere. And I really appreciate that part," Azarenka said.
Victoria Azarenka's best performance at SW19 came in the 2011 edition of the event, when she reached the semi-finals, and then again in 2012, when she delivered the same result.
The Belarusian will now take on Argentinian Nadia Podoroska in the second round of the Championships.