Azarenka out of Tennis Plays for Peace pre-US Open exhibition due to "sensitivities to Ukrainian players"

Victoria Azarenka will not play at this evening's Tennis Plays for Peace exhibition which is due to take place in the lead up to the US Open to support Ukraine.

Azarenka as a Belarusian was under heavy criticism for her involvement with Marta Kostyuk, a prominent Ukrainian player saying she didn't play in the exhibition due to the former World No.1's involvement.

It is an exhibition which is still to go ahead with World No.1 Iga Swiatek, Rafael Nadal, John McEnroe and others involved.

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"In the last 24 hours, after careful consideration and dialogue with all parties involved, Victoria Azarenka will not be participating in our Tennis Plays for Peace Exhibition,” said the USTA in a statement.

“Vika is a strong player leader and we appreciate her willingness to participate. Given the sensitivities to Ukrainian players, and the on-going conflict, we believe this is the right course of action for us.”  

Ben Rothenberg

@BenRothenberg

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Victoria Azarenka of Belarus out of the #USOpen exhibition match for Ukraine, per USTA decision.

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