Victoria Azarenka played her opening match at the 2023 Wimbledon but it was her post-match interview that sparked interest.
The first match at this year's event proved to be quite challenging for the former World No. 1 on the WTA Tour. Entering the 2023 Wimbledon with a preparation that has been far from ideal, the 19th-seeded Azarenka took on qualifier Yue Yuan from China.
After two hours and 41 minutes, the Belarusian was able to overcome the challenge, winning the match 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 to set up a second-round meeting with Nadia Podoroska, who defeated Tereza Martincova also in three sets.
After the match, Azarenka attended the press conference as majority of the players and answered multiple questions. However, it soon turned to politics, something her compatriot Aryna Sabalenka refused to talk about. One of the journalists asked:
"What does Wimbledon mean to Russia? Is it big over there? Just in terms of the part it plays in culture."
A very weird question, considering that Azarenka is from Belarus. Shocked by it, the former World No. 1 reminded the journalist that she isn't from Russia, making sure that they are aware of the fact.
"You do know I'm not from Russia, right?"
Trying to save the situation after making a massive mistake, the journalists tried to explain themselves and create a meaningful question, but that already seemed to be impossible.
"Yeah, just in terms of being on tour at all, is that something that you have become aware of at all, if it's significant?"
It was not surprising that Azarenka wasn't sure what the journalist meant by the question as she remained confused also after the clarification.
"You will have to spill it a bit more directly to me. I'm not understanding the question."
The two continued to converse about the question, as Azarenka seemingly couldn't understand what the journalist was trying to ask. Meanwhile, they apologized for the 'poor question', with the Belarusian admitting it was the case, but still answering.
"Yes, it is, but I'll still answer it. I think on international stage, Wimbledon is undoubtedly one of the biggest tennis events, and it's always been, and it's the oldest tournament in history. So it's iconic. It is iconic. How it is in Russia, I'm not from Russia, I can't really tell you how it feels in Russia."
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