Victoria Azarenka furiously lashes out at opponent for ‘cheating’ during Qatar Open clash

Victoria Azarenka was left fuming at the Qatar Open, after her first-round opponent Yulia Putintseva called for the trainer moments before the Belarusian was due to start her service game. 

Despite a match filled with quality on both sides, the spectacle was marred by the on-court drama which ensued between the two players. 

Tensions arose in the third set, with the former world number one serving to stay in the match at 4-5 down in the decider. 

Putintseva had grown more agitated throughout the set, having led 4-0 at one stage, only to be broken twice in a row. The Russian-born Kazakhstani player smashed numerous racquets and was clearly in disbelief that she had surrendered the initiative. 

The 27-year-old managed to hold her next service game but then proceeded to halt the match and call the trainer before Azarenka was about to serve herself. 

Aggro:

Putintseva led final set 4-0.

Azarenka came back to 4-4.

Putintseva held for 5-4, then called the trainer.

Azarenka furious as she was about to serve to stay in it. ‘She needs a psychiatrist.’

Azarenka saved match point. Then broke. Then won it 7-5.

The handshake: pic.twitter.com/a1pAGJ0jBD

An incensed Azarenka went straight to the chair umpire to complain and stressed that her opponent should not have been allowed to call for medical attention in that moment. 

“Before my serve, she can do that, “ the Belarusian stressed. “What’s the problem? She has to wait for me to serve. She threw her racquet, like, seven times.”

Azarenka also stressed that Putintseva needed psychological help. “She needs a mental coach, she needs a psychiatrist.” 

Digging DEEP in Doha