In Strict Quarantine: An Open Letter From Vika

Victoria Azarenka
Victoria Azarenka (photo: @Vichka35/Instagram)

WASHINGTON, January 20, 2021 (by Michael Dickens)

Two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka is among 72 players who are in a strict quarantine after arriving in Melbourne on three flights that included COVID-19 positive passengers. The World No. 13 from Belarus, aboard a flight from Los Angeles, was among the first group of players put into lockdown because of close contact. Although she has tested negative, she is forbidden to leave her hotel to practice during the 14-day mandatory quarantine that is required of everyone who is playing in the Australian Open.

On Tuesday, Azarenka from her hotel room in Melbourne, penned an open letter that she posted on her social media channels.

Dear players, coaches, entourage and Australian community. I would like to take a moment and address some of my colleagues as well as the media around the world.

This has been a very difficult time for a lot of us that did not expect to end up in the situation we are in today, myself included. To be in a 14-day hard quarantine is very tough to accept in terms of all the work that everyone has been putting in during their off-season – to be prepared for playing our first Grand Slam of the year. I understand all the frustration and feeling of unfairness that has been coming and it is overwhelming.

We have a global pandemic, nobody has a clear playbook of how to operate at full capacity and without a glitch, we all have seen it last year. Sometimes things happen and we need to accept, adapt and keep moving!

I would like to ask all my colleagues for cooperation, understanding and empathy for the local community that has been going through a lot of very demanding restrictions that they did not choose, but were forced to follow.

I would also like to ask to be sensitive as well to the people who have lost their jobs and loved ones during this horrible time for all of us around the world.

I would like to ask all of us to have respect for people who work tirelessly to try to make our lives easier.

I would like to ask the media to please have consciousness on the impact and influence you bring to this situation and to the community.

I would like for the people in the community to know and understand that we have it as our top priority to ensure the health and safety of all the people.

Lastly, I would like for us to please try to support each other as much as someone can or is willing to.

Things are always easier when you have a compassionate environment and work together.

Once again thank you everyone for their efforts as we continue to navigate through these next few days and weeks.

Thank you.

Vika

Craig Tiley: ‘It’s game on amid a global pandemic’

Saying “We will send a signal to the world,” Tennis Australia chief executive and Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley on Tuesday updated reporters on the state of the upcoming Grand Slam following a chaotic five days that “felt like one year.”

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