Tennis player from Belarus Victoria Azarenka will not participate in a charity event for Ukraine in Flushing Meadows (New York), the United States Tennis Federation (USTA) announced on Wednesday.

Victoria AzarenkaPhoto: Charles Baus/CSM / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia

Former world No. 1 and member of the WTA Players’ Council, Azarenka (33) agreed to take part in the USTA event “Tennis Plays for Peace” – a series of exhibition matches designed to mark global support for Ukraine in the conflict with Russia. , writes News.ro.

However, the USTA released a statement on Wednesday explaining why the Belarusian would not be participating in the event.

“After careful analysis of the elements and after discussion with all parties involved, we have decided that Victoria Azarenka will not take part in tonight’s demonstration!

Vika is a leader in the chain and we appreciate her willingness to participate, however, given the sensitivity of players in Ukraine, as well as the ongoing conflict, we believe this is the right decision.” writes in the press release of USTA.

Marta Kostiuk was indignant after learning that Victoria Azarenka was invited to play at an event dedicated to Ukraine

A few days ago, Marta Kostyuk (72 WTA) said that she decided not to participate in the demonstration event after learning about Victoria Azarenka’s invitation.

“Of course, I received an invitation. I think that all the players in Ukraine got it. When Lesya Tsurenko and I found out – I’m only talking about us now, because I didn’t ask anyone – that there would be representatives of Russia or Belarus at this event, we immediately said that I would not participate.

First, no one asked the Ukrainian athletes if they wanted any of these players to be present. Of course, no one is interested in this, it is the Independence Day of Ukraine, but what Ukrainians think is not interesting, is it?

Secondly, I did not understand why Victoria Azarenka was summoned, I do not think that she should do anything there. We didn’t get any frank help from her. There was no dialogue with me personally, although it cannot be said that I was invisible.

Maybe I’m not that visible because I’m not ranked high enough to be noticed, but that’s not what I’m talking about, I’m talking about the fact that I’ve been active enough since the beginning of the war.’ – Marta Kostyukcited by BTU Portal.