Croft told Wimbledon star to steal umpire’s microphone after drama | Tennis | Sport
“It might have just alleviated the problem a little bit, but she ended up going into the press conference to explain it – but it was a shame that it ended like that after such an amazing contest, it was a great shame.”
Instead of heeding Croft’s advice, Azarenka spoke about matters in a nervy post-match presser – explaining how the crowd were not well informed of her reasoning for failing to shake hands.
She said: “I can’t control the crowd. I’m not sure that a lot of people were understanding what’s happening, so… It’s probably been a lot of Pimms throughout the day. What we agreed on: it wasn’t fair. It is what it is. What can I do?”
When asked if she was the victim Azarenka sharply responded: “Victim? Victim that somebody didn’t shake my hand? Please. I think we’ve got bigger [problems].”
Wimbledon 2024 kicks off on Monday, with Azarenka facing American Sloane Stephens on Court Two. Svetolina, meanwhile, takes on Magda Linette on Tuesday in her own opening game of the tournament.
