"They're not all going to know the story behind this": Medvedev weighs in on crowd booing Azarenka, says it's a 'pity'

Tuesday, 11 July 2023 at 13:30

World number three Daniil Medvedev believes that fellow Russian player Victoria Azarenka was treated unfairly by the Wimbledon crowd.

The 33-year-old was booed by the crowd at Court number one after she did not have a handshake with Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina after suffering a defeat in the round of 16 clash with a score of 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 on Sunday.

After the match, Azarenka revealed that it was not her decision and in fact, she was respecting the decision made by her opponent who refused to have a handshake with any Russian player because of the war in Ukraine.

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The conflict between two European neighbours started way back in February last year and till now has resulted in the loss of human lives on both sides.

That statement was supported by Svitolina who herself admitted that she has no intention of having a handshake with any Russian player until the last Russian soldier leaves Ukrainian soil.

Medvedev, who has now booked his place in the Wimbledon quarterfinal for the first time after being awarded a walkover win against Czech Republic’s Jiri Lehecka, while talking to the media, stated that the two-time Grand Slam winner was treated unfairly by the crowd.

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"As she said, I actually liked her [Azarenka] response on the press conference,” he said. “She respected the decision of Svitolina, about not shaking hands. I think the crowd that comes, Court 1 is what, maybe 10,000 people. I actually don't know.

"They're not all going to know the story behind this. They just saw Vika not shaking hands. That's why I think they booed her. I liked her response where she said it was a great match and let's talk about tennis.”

The Moscow-born will now face America’s Christopher Eubanks in his first-ever Wimbledon quarterfinal clash on Wednesday.

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2 - With Daniil Medvedev joining Andrey Rublev and Roman Safiullin, this year's Wimbledon is the second time in the Open Era where three Russians have made the QFs in the Men's Singles at a Grand Slam, after the 2021 Australian Open. Trio. #Wimbledon | @Wimbledon @atptour

1:48 PM · Jul 10, 2023

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Azeem Siddiqui

Azeem Siddiqui is a seasoned sports journalist and data analyst with a strong background in both digital media and live sports production.

He began his journalism career working with partners of The New York Times and has since contributed to several leading international sports publications, including Fox Sports Asia, Calciomercato, and GiveMeSport. Since 2023, Azeem has been part of the TennisUpToDate team, where he has played a key role in sustaining the platform’s growth and ensuring tennis fans receive timely and reliable coverage of the sport’s biggest stories.

In addition to his editorial work, Azeem has extensive experience as a data analyst in live sports broadcasting—particularly in cricket—where he combines analytical precision with creative storytelling. He has collaborated with multiple production companies and cricket boards worldwide, delivering real-time insights and data-driven narratives during live match coverage.

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