"You're not going to like my answers": Dayana Yastremska refuses to go in depth on playing Belarusian Victoria Azarenka
WTAMonday, 22 January 2024 at 22:00
Ukrainian
tennis player Dayana Yastremska declined to comment on her feelings about
playing against a Belarusian opponent after her victory over Victoria Azarenka.
The 23-year-old secured her spot in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open,
her first time reaching this stage in a Grand Slam, and will face teenager
Linda Noskova in pursuit of a semifinal berth.
Since the
onset of the war, Ukrainian tennis players have expressed their opposition to
Russian and Belarusian players participating in tournaments, but the WTA did
not accede to the Ukrainian demands.
Players
like Elina Svitolina, Marta Kostyuk, and Yastremska herself no longer shake
hands with Russians or Belarusians when they play against them, sparking
controversy in every match between Ukrainians and Russians/Belarusians.
In the
French Open, Svitolina was actually jeered by the crowd after refusing to shake
hands with Sabalenka, while at Wimbledon, it was Azarenka who faced boos after
playing against Svitolina.
During the
press conference following Yastremska's victory over the former world No. 1,
the Ukrainian was asked if there is extra pressure when playing against a
Belarusian amid the war: "Playing against the Belarusian player? If I'm
going to start talking about it, I think you're not going to like my answers so
I'm just gonna say I want to skip this question," Yastremska said.
"Because
I think, like, if you're asking this question, I'm sure you know how it is for
us, for Ukrainians to play against Russians and Belarusians. I'm sure you know,
so I don't think it's a good way to ask about this question," she added.
“I decided that from this year no more pressure”
Yastremska
acknowledged that she has felt increased pressure since the war broke out to
deliver good results for her fellow Ukrainians. The current world No. 21
commented that she hopes to release herself from expectations to maintain a
high level in the future:
"I was
putting a lot of pressure on myself in different ways. In the way that it's the
war and I have to show better results, you know, for Ukraine. And I wasn't
playing just for myself in the beginning," Dayana Yastremska said.
"Then
I was putting pressure on myself that before, like, when I was younger, I was
much better than I am right now. In many ways, it's too long, you know, if I
will say every pressure that I was putting on myself. But now I decided that
from this year no more pressure, no more, like, high expectations for myself.
Just be the way you are, and we will see how it's gonna go," she added.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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