Mar 14, 2022; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Victoria Azarenka (BEL) is over come with emotion as she leans her head on her racket during the middle of the second set of her third round match against Elena Rybakina (not pictured) during the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Victoria Azarenka was scheduled to take on Belinda Bencic tomorrow in her first round match at the Canadian Open
Three-time US Open finalist Victoria Azarenka will sit out one of the biggest warm-up events of the summer due to visa issues. Azarenka, who was already forced to miss Wimbledon due to the All England Club’s ban of Russian and Belarusian athletes, expressed disappointment with the situation on social media. Azarenka is a three-time semi-finalist at the WTA 1000 event in Canada.
“It’s very sad to miss one of my favorite tournaments. I love to play in Canada with great fans and a place where I made many friends over the years”, wrote the Belarusian star on social media. Azarenka aims to be back in action at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, a tournament she has won twice—most recently in 2020.
Fans are gutted that Azarenka had to withdraw from Toronto due to visa issues. Let us take a look at few of the most interesting reactions.
“Canada refusing visas to certain nationalities – text book racism”, wrote a fan, who seems to have a really strong take on the issue.
“Shame on Canada .Mayar sherif too cant play there for the same problem”, tweeted another fan.
“That’s ridiculous, I’m sorry x. More preparation time for Cincinnati though”, another fan pointed out the positive side.
“Strange – thats the 2nd player to have visa issues. I see a few folk suggesting its because of Vika’s nationality but if that’s the case Aryna would also have a problem as well as the entire Russian contingent”, tweeted a fan who is confused why exactly Azarenka was denied the visa.
“What?? Visa not approved? You will have more time Vika to be at 100% and recover from the injury. See you in Cincinnati”, wrote another fan.
More Tennis news
Follow our dedicated Tennis page for instant Tennis news and updates