Victoria Azarenka recently revisited the tense exchange with Jelena Ostapenko during their last meeting at the 2024 Qatar Open.
The former world No. 1 secured a dominant 6-0, 6-3 victory in the Round of 16, maintaining her flawless record against Ostapenko at 5-0.
Azarenka controlled the match from start to finish in what was a heated encounter. This was their third consecutive tournament clash in mid-February, following Azarenka’s previous wins over Ostapenko at the Brisbane International and the Australian Open.
For Ostapenko, the loss was a tough one. She had been in strong form at the start of the season, boasting a 13-2 record and winning titles at the Linz Open and Abu Dhabi.
However, Azarenka once again halted her momentum, defeating the former French Open champion for the third straight time. Ostapenko’s frustration was evident at the end of the match.
Rather than exchanging a traditional handshake at the net, Ostapenko extended her racquet toward Azarenka, appearing to initiate contact.
Annoyed, Azarenka stepped aside, and both players instead acknowledged the chair umpire before parting ways.
The two-time Grand Slam champion later reflected on the incident during her appearance on What the Vlog, the YouTube series hosted by Daria Kasatkina, alongside her partner Natalia Zabiiako.
“I can say it’s not my problem, it was her problem. I don’t know what she wanted me to do with the racket she gave me. She can put it in another place,” Azarenka said.
“Who gives the racquet in 2024? Somebody who acts like a btch, I’ll be a btch too. I won’t start it but if you want to play, let’s play. I’m nice until someone provokes me,” the 10-time WTA 1000 champion added.
