Victoria AZARENKA (BLR) leaves the court for a medical time out during her match against Jessica PEGULA (USA) on Margaret Court Arena during Day 2 of the Australian Open at Melbourne Park on Tuesday, February 9, 2021. MANDATORY PHOTO CREDIT Tennis Australia/ NATASHA MORELLO
Victoria Azarenka was dumped from the Australian Open today, losing 7-5 6-4 to American Jessica Pegula in the first big upset of the tournament.
With temperatures courtside nudging 30 degrees, Azarenka looked in distress towards the end of the match.
After a break Azarenka returned but the powerful Pegula held firm for her first top-40 win at this level.
Azarenka was upset after the match when asked about her breathing difficulties.
“I truly don’t ever understand that rule of why, when somebody is sick, injured or whatever, they have to give their medical reason out in the world,” Azarenka said.
“It shouldn’t be a mandatory requirement for people to talk about their health issues. Even legally doctors should not release any information.”
The Belarussian was forced into hard quarantine after Spanish player Paula Badosa’s positive coronavirus case on arrival in Australia last month.
Andrey Rublev brought a halt to a painful loss streak lasting for nearly two months…
Carlos Alcaraz began his delayed clay season on Friday after a month of arm injury…
Rafael Nadal heads into his weekend clash at the Madrid Masters plagued by doubts over…
Iga Swiatek remains perplexed about the huge lack of influence top players have on WTA…
Coco Gauff powered to the first double bagel of her career on Thursday, opening play…
Rafael Nadal made a flying 6-1, 6-0 start on Thursday at his home Madrid Masters…