Following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, the international community also imposed sanctions on Belarus for allegedly facilitating the Russian military invasion. “After careful consideration and discussions with all parties involved, Victoria Azarenka will not participate in the demonstration tournament Tennis Plays for Peace,” said the American tennis association USTA, organizer of the US Open. “Given the sensitivities among Ukrainian tennis players and the ongoing conflict, we believe this is the right decision.” Two-time Grand Slam champion Azarenka was disappointed. The 33-year-old tennis star from Minsk wrote on her social media in English that “never take the impact of a kind gesture for granted”.
Proceeds from ticket sales are used to provide aid in Ukraine. The tennis organizations ATP, WTA and ITF have set up the Tennis Plays for Peace campaign together with the organizers of the four grand slam tournaments. So far, more than $1 million has been raised.