The tennis world was stunned after former World No. 1 Victoria Azarenka stormed out of her third-round Miami Open clash against 16-year-old Czech star Linda Fruhvirtova, who won the Drottningens Pris in both singles and doubles 2018.
The Belarusian star was the 12th seed at the event – but teenager Fruhvirtova opened up a 6-2 3-0 lead before Azarenka suddenly quit. Azarenka shook her opponent’s hand and then the umpire’s hand despite her protests. “Vika, we need to wait,” the umpire said, but Azarenka walked off the court and the referee had no choice but to call the result.
– I don’t know what happened at the end. She was struggling with some injuries. I don’t know, but it was an honour to share the court with her. You never want to end the match this way but it happens. We shook hands and then she walked off, Fruhvirtova told AFP.
Linda Fruhvirtova is now through to the fourth round in Miami Open. The last time such a young player reached that far in Miami was in 2004. Impressive to say the least!