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.
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