Two-time Grand Slam winner and former world number one Victoria Azarenka will not participate in a US Open charity event for Ukraine.
Because Ukrainian players like Marta Kostyuk expressed concerns about the Belarusian’s presence, Azarenka is missing from the USTA’s “Tennis Plays for Peace Exhibition” at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Flushing Meadows. This also takes place on the Independence Day of Ukraine.
Belarus is seen as a supporter of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “After careful consideration and dialogue with all stakeholders, Victoria Azarenka will not be attending our event for the past 24 hours,” the USTA said. “Victoria is a strong personality and we appreciate her willingness to participate. Given the sensitivities towards Ukrainian players and the ongoing conflict, we believe this is the right course of action for us.”
Like all Russians and Belarusians, Azarenka was excluded from Wimbledon because of the Russian war of aggression. The USTA admitted them to the US Open. Azarenka won the Australian Open in 2012 and 2013 and was runner-up at the US Open in 2012, 2013 and 2020.
Rafael Nadal, number one Iga Swiatek and Jon McEnroe were also expected to attend the fundraiser. The US Tennis Association wants to raise at least two million dollars for Ukraine by the end of the US Open.