How fans erred by booing Victoria Azarenka over handshake

• Victoria Azarenka has spoken out for the first time since being booed off court at Wimbledon
• The Belarusian was knocked out in the round of 16 by her Ukrainian opponent
• This led to Azarenka being jeered by some spectators

Victoria Azarenka has spoken out for the first time since being booed off court by sections of the crowd at Wimbledon following her defeat by Elina Svitolina.

The Belarusian was knocked out in the round of 16 by her Ukrainian opponent, and the pair did not shake hands after the match at Svitolina’s request.

This led to Azarenka being jeered by some spectators, who appeared to be unaware of the agreement between the two players.

In a social media post, Azarenka said that she had taken a few days to digest the events of the match.

She said that she was grateful for the experiences she had even though they were unpleasant. Azarenka also said that she is a believer that everything happens for a reason, and that she would continue to be grateful for the experiences she had.

Victoria Azarenka. Photo/CNN

“Hi everyone! Took a few days to digest the last few weeks. There is a lot I could say, but the feeling and thought I keep having is, when something great happens to us we usually have gratitude and say thank you,” read a part of her social media post.

“When something unpleasant happens to us we ask why and usually the thank you comes later when we see the reason why after the fact. Whatever happens, happens for a reason (I really believe that). And I want to say thank you and I’ll continue being grateful for the experiences,” she added.

Her comments come after Svitolina said that she felt that tennis organizations should come out with a statement that there would be no handshake between Russian, Belarusian, and Ukrainian players.

She said that she had experienced booing at the French Open for failing to shake hands with three Russian and Belarusian players yet, she felt that this was the right to do.

Azarenka’s booing highlights the complex nature and sensitivity facing tennis players from Russia and Belarus in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine.

Victoria Azarenka. Photo/Sky Sports

The 33-year-old lost 6-2, 4-6, 6-7 (9) on Court 1 in one of the tightest matchups of the competition to Svitolina, who defeated her in a thrilling three-set contest.

Although Azarenka’s cryptic remarks don’t reveal much about the person she was addressing, they reflect the heated environment that has pervaded Wimbledon courts over the previous ten days.

Azarenka made her remarks after leaving the court with a look of evident amusement on her face and a shaking of the head as the booing followed her down the tunnel and off the court.

In response, she made a sign by clenching her fists above her head. She is among tennis players who have experienced booing this year.

Novak Djokovic had to contend with a derogatory crowd at the French Open who continuously booed him. However, he turned a deaf year and gave it his best. The Serbian added his 23^rd Grand Slam at Roland Garros.