During a second-round match at Indian Wells, former world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka was embroiled in a heated dispute with the umpire over a controversial call. Azarenka, who was up against eighth seeded Qinwen Zheng, misinterpreted one of her opponent’s shots, presuming it would land out. However, the ball ended up landing squarely on the line. Azarenka’s ability to challenge the decision was curtailed by the use of electronic line calling, which led to an expletive-laden outburst from the Belarusian about the “inferior system”, consequencing in a code violation. A subsequent break resulted in her losing the match.
Azarenka, who’s had an underwhelming start to the year, was looking to change her fortunes at Indian Wells. Despite not advancing beyond the second round in any tournament this year, the two-time former champion at Indian Wells was determined to break the pattern during her match against Zheng.
The challenge to reach the third round was no easy task, as she was up against the Olympic champion and No.8 seed Zheng. Despite Zheng securing the first set, Azarenka made a valiant attempt to stage a comeback, managing to regain her serve after falling behind twice in the second set.
The defining moment of the match came at 4-4 30-30 in the second set. Azarenka, ranked 35th in the world, misjudged a ball that she believed would land out and raised her arm to challenge, momentarily forgetting the automatic line calling system in use.
Azarenka’s disbelief at the hawkeye replay showing the ball in was palpable. The commentators labeled it a “horrible misjudgement”, as the 35-year-old vehemently argued with the umpire, insisting that the ball was out. Despite her protests, the umpire, bound by the finality of the automatic call, could do nothing to alter the decision.
Azarenka’s tirade against the electronic system landed her in hot water, earning her a code violation. When informed by chair official Marija Cicak of the warning, Azarenka retorted: “Of course I have to get a code.” She then resumed the match, only to be broken again in the same game, leading to Zheng’s 6-3 6-4 victory.
Despite her on-court struggles, Azarenka has been making significant off-court progress. As a WTA Player Council representative, Azarenka has been advocating for maternity pay in women’s tennis. Her efforts bore fruit this week when the WTA announced a groundbreaking scheme in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the PIF.
Under the PIF WTA Maternity Fund Program, players will now be eligible for up to 12 months of paid maternity leave, fertility treatment grants, and other benefits. Azarenka, a mother herself, expressed her joy at the announcement, stating, “This marks the beginning of a meaningful shift in how we support women in tennis, making it easier for athletes to pursue both their careers and their aspirations of starting a family.”