Victoria Azarenka to miss Tennis Plays for Peace exhibition due to ‘sensitivities’ - USTA

Belarusian player Victoria Azarenka will not play in the ‘Tennis Plays for Peace Exhibition’ at the US Open, the United States Tennis Association have announced. ‘Tennis Plays for Peace’ is an “initiative to bring the tennis community and fans together to support the humanitarian relief efforts for the war in Ukraine”, says its website.

Ad The initiative was set to begin on Wednesday with Rafael Nadal, Iga Swiatek and John McEnroe amongst others – including Azarenka — and will be a tournament-long initiative thereafter. TennisKyrgios facing legal actual from fan after 'drunk out of her mind' accusation6 HOURS AGO The Guardian reported that some players were unhappy that they were not consulted regarding the inclusion of Azarenka in the event.

Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko is an ally of Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin. And the United States Tennis Association announced on Wednesday that after consultation with all parties that Azarenka would not participate.

“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’ this evening,” read a statement from USTA. “Vika is a strong player leader and we appreciate her willingness to participate.