After a double error at a 2-2 score in the second set, two-time tournament winner Azarenka suddenly burst into tears inexplicably, bowed her head and covered her eyes. It alarmed the fans and the umpire, who came to take a look. Then Azarenka stammered several times, “I’m sorry.” Azarenka was able to continue playing, but it was no longer possible to make a fist. It was a logical victory in two sets for Rybakina, who did ask for a time penalty for her opponent.
Reason not clear
It’s not entirely clear what the reason for Azarenka’s emotional outburst was. It could be physical complaints, because Azarenka played with tape on the right shoulder, or mental, after the Russian invasion of neighboring Ukraine. A conflict in which Belarus plays a very dubious role.
“I am devastated by the actions taken against and in Ukraine in recent days,” Azarenka said in early March, after which she deleted her social media accounts not much later. “My heart breaks in two when I see how many innocent people have been and are affected by this violence. It is hard to witness this.”
Azarenka needs to be comforted by the umpire.
Ⓒ USA Today Sports
Two days ago, Naomi Osaka also burst into tears at Indian Wells after an insult from a spectator from the stands. One woman reportedly yelled “Naomi, you suck!” to the Japanese one, whereupon the tennis star began to cry. The incident happened during the third game of the first set. Osaka, who had previously experienced mental problems, was clearly affected and turned to the umpire at the change of side, who took no further action.
Even after her match, which she lost 6-0 and 6-4 to Russian Veronika Kudermetova, the former number 1 in the world could not hold back her tears.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amalMmYgsRk
Source: Het Nieuwsblad
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