After the elimination of the Belgian Elise Mertens, she removed another big name from the spider, even though the retired Azarenková had ruined her winning joy a little.
“Of course I didn’t want to win this way, because Vika is one of the players I grew up watching. He is definitely one to look at. I wish her to feel better as soon as possible, “said Fruhvirt on the court.
This is really disappointing from Azarenka. Leaves the court out of nowhere, no explanation. She was being outplayed by Fruhvirtova, and the young Czech deserved more respect and the right to win that match on her own terms.pic.twitter.com/yu2Ne1mSqB#MiamiOpen #WTA #Tennis
— First Serve Tennis (@FirstServeTnnis) March 27, 2022
However, not everyone had respect for Azarenko’s words at the time. For example, the commentator of the match strongly condemned the Belarus. “This is totally disrespectful, horrible behavior. From such an advanced player … “she didn’t take a napkin.
Azarenková, who did not shy away from tears again during the match, quickly shook hands with the referee and disappeared inside the stadium without much explanation. She subsequently issued a statement on her conduct.
“I shouldn’t have gone to court today. The last two weeks have been extremely stressful for me in my personal life. The previous match exhausted me terribly, but I wanted to play again in front of a great audience, which helped me in the first duel. I wanted to get in and give it a try, but it was a mistake. I will take a break and hope to be able to return, “she wrote.
Linda Fruhvirtova in tears.
Azarenka retires against 16 year old Linda Fruhvirtova after losing the first set 6-2 and trailing 3-0 in the second.
Azarenka quickly shook Fruhvirtova’s hand and walked off the court without waiting for an announcement by the umpire. #MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/tVMzZSTr4j
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) March 27, 2022
“I apologize to the fans for what happened because they were great and encouraged me. That was also the only reason I boarded. I’m always looking forward to challenges and match pressure, but today it was too much. I have to learn from that. I would also like to congratulate her opponent and wish her good luck at the tournament and the beginning of her professional career …, “said the former world number one to the Czech opponent.
Azarenka showed a similar collapse in a previous Indian Wells tournament against Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakin.
Fruhvirt could only enjoy tears of happiness. “I am really excited and happy. I can’t even describe it, I don’t have the right words for it. I’m trying to absorb it all. I mainly wanted to play my game and not notice that Victoria Azarenka is on the other side of the court. I will never forget this, “she said.
In the eighth finale of the spider, she was soon joined by another Czech, Petra Kvitová, who had only words of praise for the success of her younger compatriot ahead of American journalists. “Linda and I played a team exhibition in the Czech Republic. And even there she was extremely combative. It reminds me a little bit, she fights for every ball, “said the two-time Wimbledon champion.
Fruhvirt, who ranks 279th on the WTA rankings, has already earned $ 104,000 in Miami (over two million CZK). In the battle for the quarterfinals, he will face the top 10 player, the Spanish Paula Badosa, for the first time on the WTA circuit.
