VIDEO: Azarenka takes aim at tennis media: "There's a lot of really bad journalists, some just like to make it about themselves"
WTA
Victoria Azarenka was the latest guest on Up Front with Simon Jordan, a podcast series from William Hill delving into the careers of prevalent sporting stars.
Azarenka in the over one hour conversation with the former Crystal Palace chairman and focal point of TalkSport with Jim White touched upon journalists and the media in tennis.
It has been called into question during Wimbledon with Paula Badosa asked questions as if she won when she retired, as well as Iga Swiatek asked if Elina Svitolina was an honorary Brit.
As well as even Azarenka with one journalist perceiving that she was Russian and she cited one example of a journalist where she told them straight and they no longer attend her press conferences.
The former World No.1 admits that while she respects the media, certain journalists come in with a pre conceived notion and an angle already in their head.
"I told one journalist who is on the tennis tour, I said 'all you do is clickbait'. He said that's not how I use this phrase. Of course he knew what I meant, he doesn't come to my press conferences anymore," said Azarenka.
"I always respect the journalists and I think it's an incredible job but there's a lot of really bad journalists. The ones that do no research, no background. They don't really investigate the story and some just like to make it about themselves.
"I think the bad journalists is when they come with already pre written piece. I think you've already made your mind up, you've not asked my opinion. It's more about I know what I want to write, I just need a quote from you."
"I had to learn that media is an important part of the job. It can be difficult but drives the business, helps your name. It is helpful. So you have to deal with both sides.
"You can ask questions, just ask with respect. We are all human beings."
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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