"I don’t share the same opinion as Iga" - Victoria Azarenka hits back at Iga Swiatek over comments on Russia-Ukraine war

Victoria Azarenka has disagreed with Iga Swiatek about Ukrainian players not being helped as much as possible.

Ukrainian players have not shied away from speaking about the ongoing war in their country, and Swiatek said during the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells that there should be more effort in taking care of them. The Pole also mentioned that there were more discussions about whether players from Russia and Belarus should take part in tournaments.

"I feel there should be done a little bit more to kind of help Ukrainian players, because I feel like the more -- like, everything we discuss in tennis is more about Belarusian and Russian players if they should be allowed, like what's going on with them," Swiatek said.

"I don't think that's right, because we should more focus on helping Ukrainian players and providing them everything that they need, because they basically have to take care of like all their families, and there's a lot of baggage on their shoulders," she added.

Swiatek also stated that the efforts taken to help the Ukrainian players were not enough.

"I'll try to kind of help with that as well, because I guess with everything that is happening, the actions that were taken up to this point were, I don't think they were enough," the Pole said.

However, Azarenka did not agree with Swiatek's statements and claimed that the Pole should take a look at the efforts that had been made to help the Ukrainian players before commenting on the matter.

"Obviously, there are certain players that have different feelings and behaviours. Overall, I don’t necessarily share the same opinion as Iga does. I would encourage her to look at the things that have been done before she makes comments," Azarenka said.

"Obviously, as a player council (member), I am happy to provide all those facts that have been done. And I think that would be a more appropriate way to have that conversation," she added.

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Victoria Azarenka will face Magda Linette in 2023 Miami Open third round

Victoria Azarenka in action during the Miami Open

Victoria Azarenka started her 2023 Miami Open campaign with a 6-3, 6-1 win over Camila Giorgi in the Round of 64. The 14th-seeded Belarusian will next take on 20th-seed Magda Linette in the third round of the tournament. The Pole booked her place in the third round with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Evgeniya Rodina.

Azarenka and Linette will lock horns for the third time in their careers, with the former winning both of their prior encounters. Whoever comes out on top in Miami will face either third seed Jessica Pegula or 30th seed Danielle Collins in the fourth round.