You do know I’m not from Russia, right?: Victoria Azarenka’s awkward moment with journal at Wimbledon

Victoria Azarenka had a rather awkward moment with a journal when the latter asked what Wimbledon meant to Russia. Azarenka, who had beaten Yuan Yue in her match, said, “You do know I’m not from Russia, right?”
“I think on the international stage, Wimbledon is undoubtedly one of the biggest tennis events, and it’s always been. So it’s iconic. It is iconic,” she said “How it is in Russia? I’m not from Russia. I can’t really tell you how it feels in Russia,” the Belarusian player added.
Unlike her opponent, Yue, whose nationality was noted on the scoreboard alongside her name, Azarenka had no country led there. That’s because players from Russia and Belarus are back competing at Wimbledon a year after they were barred the All England Club because of the invasion of Ukraine — and, in a sort of half-measure adopted some other sports, are deemed “neutral” athletes who officially do not represent any nation.

you #Vika7 🇧🇾handled that first question(in the video)like a consummate professional; 👏all class #WellDone 🥲#WellPlayed https://t.co/DKa6kVhbre
— Shelflife of Truth & Peace (@nicolasbedney) July 4, 2023
While other players have flags to the left of their names on the oversized, manually-operated brackets on the outside wall of Centre Court, the Russians and Belarusians do not.
Nor are the countries noted on official schedules or results issued the All England Club, nor as part of graphics on TV broadcasts of matches. The Club did not allow Wimbledon to be aired on television in Russia or Belarus.

Azarenka and all other entrants from those two countries needed to — and did — sign a declaration agreeing to three stipulations: They wouldn’t be representing Russia or Belarus; they wouldn’t accept funding from those governments or companies operated them; they wouldn’t express support for the invasion of Ukraine or the leaders of Russia or Belarus.
“Just like I never left, honestly. It feels good to be playing here,” Azarenka said after beating Yuan 6-4, 5-7, 6-4. “For me, personally, I experienced very good treatment. … Today, to hear people say, ‘Let’s go, Vika!’ and cheering me on was also why I play, to play in front of the crowd, to put on a good show.”
(With Agency inputs)