Two-time Slam champion Azarenka dropped from “Tennis Plays for Peace” Exhibition

Victoria Azarenka will not join her fellow players during Wednesday night’s “Tennis Plays for Peace” exhibition in Louis Armstrong Stadium at the US Open.

The tournament issued a statement on Wednesday, explaining the decision to keep Azarenka out of the event, despite her willingness to participate.

US Open: “We believe this is the right course for us”

It is believed that Azarenka’s potential appearance at the charity event sparked consternation among Ukrainian players who do not want to see Russian or Belarusian players taking part in the event.

The US Open issued the following statement on Wednesday.

“In the last 24 hours, after careful consideration and dialogue with all parties involved, Victoria Azarenka will not be participating in our “Tennis Plays for Peace Exhibition” this evening.  Vika is a strong player leader and we appreciate her willingness to participate. Given the sensitivities to Ukrainian players, and the on-going conflict, we believe this is the right course of action for us.”

Big stars set to back the cause

The event will feature a star-studded lineup in a series of singles and mixed doubles matches:  Rafael Nadal, Coco Gauff, Taylor Fritz, Iga Swiatek, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Carlos Alcaraz, Leylah Fernandez, Jessica Pegula, Matteo Berrettini and John McEnroe will all be on hand.

Per ESPN, the event will kick off a campaign that will deliver at least $2 million to humanitarian relief efforts to Ukraine. 

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